dapple

[ dap-uhl ]

noun

1. a spot or mottled marking, usually occurring in clusters.
2. an animal with a mottled skin or coat.

adjective

1. dappled; spotted:

   a dapple horse.

verb (used with or without object)

dappled, dappling.

1. to mark or become marked with spots.

dapple

/ ˈdæpəl /

verb

1. to mark or become marked with spots or patches of a different colour; mottle

noun

1. mottled or spotted markings
2. a dappled horse, etc

adjective

1. marked with dapples or spots

Word History and Origins

Origin of dapple¹

First recorded in 1545–55; probably back formation from dappled

Word History and Origins

Origin of dapple¹

C14: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

"Wouldn't it be useful for English speakers to have a specific word for sunlight dappling through leaves... Or a word for the action of sitting outside enjoying a beer?"

From BBC

“Six Feet Under” is dappled with Lynchian homages – easy enough to explain in a show about a family that dwells in the figurative crawlspace between life and death, whose business is guiding families through loss.

From Salon

The subtlest animation looks the best, especially when sunlight dapples upon fur or felines flex their claws to assert power.

From Los Angeles Times

I stepped through the door, surveying the late-summer light dappling the antique wood floors.

From Salon

If a political debate is your idea of a good time — rather than, say, sitting on the sugary sands of some beach watching a dappled sunset play on the water, more power to you!

From Los Angeles Times