splotch

[sploch]

noun

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

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

/ splɒtʃ /

noun

1. the usual US word for splodge

Other Word Forms

• splotchy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of splotch¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of splotch¹

C17: perhaps a blend of _spot + _blotch

Example Sentences

Woo scampers over, as if to protect her body, but Nansi unleashes a splotch of webbing that traps the aboatia on the ground.

Read more on Literature

Even a healthy apple is susceptible to bitter pit, a disorder that marks the skin with black splotches and ruins the fruit’s flesh.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The Western United States has experienced an unprecedented number of wildfires in recent years, and some have ripped across the Owyhees, leaving splotches of burned land behind.

Read more on Seattle Times

A lone splotch of orange poppies was also visible.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In visible-light imaging from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, these appeared as separate splotches.

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

• blob 
• blotch 
• fleck 
• smudge