stipple

American  

[stip-uhl] / ˈstɪp əl /

verb (used with object)

stippled, stippling

1. to paint, engrave, or draw by means of dots or small touches.

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noun

1. the method of painting, engraving, etc., by stippling.

2. stippled work; a painting, engraving, or the like, executed by means of dots or small spots.

stipple British  

/ ˈstɪpəl /

verb

1. to draw, engrave, or paint using dots or flecks

2. to apply paint, powder, etc, to (something) with many light dabs

3. to give (wet paint, cement, etc) a granular effect

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noun

1. the technique of stippling or a picture produced by or using stippling

Other Word Forms

• stippler noun
• unstippled adjective

Etymology

Origin of stipple

1660–70; < Dutch stippelen, frequentative of stippen to dot, derivative of stip dot

Example Sentences

Microscopic chasms forming a sea of conical jagged peaks stipple the surface of a material called black silicon.

From Science Daily

Also known as acoustical stipple ceilings, they were once a popular choice for their ability to absorb sound and hide imperfections.

From Seattle Times

Every flat surface and hidey-hole of this bridge is stuffed and stippled with nests.

From Seattle Times

The sun had dipped too, leaving a trail of stippled oranges and purples on the horizon.

From Literature

I introduced a forehead piece to the existing Stage 3 look and added old-age stipple around the eyes, along with eyebrow hair pieces.

From Los Angeles Times