splotch

American  

[sploch] / splɒtʃ /

noun

1. a large, irregular spot; blot; stain; blotch.

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verb (used with object)

1. to mark or cover with splotches.

verb (used without object)

1. to be susceptible to stains or blots; show or retain stains, blots, or spots of dirt or liquid.

   Don't buy that tablecloth—the material splotches easily.

2. to cause or be liable to cause stains, blots, or spots.

   Be careful of that paint—it splotches.

splotch British  

/ splɒtʃ /

noun

1. the usual US word for splodge

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Other Word Forms

• splotchy adjective

Etymology

Origin of splotch

First recorded in 1595–1605; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

Duane watched him pick up a small, thin piece of wood and apply splotches of different colored goo along the border.

From Literature

Here and there on the long sloping hillside, milky white splotches stood out like spilt buckets of milk in the deep green.

From Literature

The paint-spattered wooden floor is littered with pages from old newspapers, some scrumpled up, the black and white print obscured by vibrant splotches of colour.

From BBC

I flush the toilet and turn on the sink, splashing cold water onto my face until the pink splotches fade from my cheeks.

From Literature

Layered on top are paint splotches and streaks, as well as taped-on paper and vellum, blurring and obscuring the collage of figures underneath.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blob
• blotch
• fleck
• smudge