mottle

[ mot-l ]

verb (used with object)

, mot·tled, mot·tling.

1. to mark or diversify with spots or blotches of a different color or shade.

noun

1. a diversifying spot or blotch of color.
2. mottled coloring or pattern.

mottle

/ ˈmɒtəl /

verb

1. tr to colour with streaks or blotches of different shades

noun

1. a mottled appearance, as of the surface of marble
2. one streak or blotch of colour in a mottled surface

Other Words From

• mottle·ment noun
• mottler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mottle¹

First recorded in 1670–80; probably back formation from motley

Word History and Origins

Origin of mottle¹

C17: back formation from motley

Example Sentences

But many sites use something called “pepper mild mottle virus,” a virus that infects pepper plants.

From New York Times

On Jan. 2, nurses reported that the patient’s breathing was shallower, with her toes beginning to mottle as her heart stopped pumping blood that far down.

From Washington Times

Then there was the salt: sprinkled generously enough to mottle the fry’s golden skin and amplify the earthy flavors trapped inside.

From Washington Post

The online class from 12:30-2:15 p.m. will cover identification of blossom brown rot, bacterial canker, cherry mottle leaf, shothole, cherry bark tortrix and tent caterpillar.

From Seattle Times

There is the school trip to Lourdes where, as a pious 13-year-old, plunked into the holy waters, her hopes of a miracle vanish: “After months of thinking about how it would feel, it was already over. My skin was instantly dry. Apart from the purple mottle left by the cold, nothing felt different.”

From New York Times