freckle

[ frek-uhl ]

noun

1. one of the small, brownish spots on the skin that are caused by deposition of pigment and that increase in number and darken on exposure to sunlight; lentigo.
2. any small spot or discoloration:

   freckles of paint spattered on the floor.

verb (used with object)

, freck·led, freck·ling.

1. to cover with freckles; produce freckles on.

verb (used without object)

, freck·led, freck·ling.

1. to become freckled.

freckle

/ ˈfrɛkəl /

noun

1. a small brownish spot on the skin: a localized deposit of the pigment melanin, developed by exposure to sunlight Technical namelentigo
2. any small area of discoloration; a spot
3. slang.
   the anus

verb

1. to mark or become marked with freckles or spots

Derived Forms

• ˈfreckled, adjective

Other Words From

• un·freckled adjective
• well-freckled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of freckle¹

1350–1400; blend of obsolete frecken freckle ( Middle English frekne < Old Norse *frekna; compare freknōttr speckled, Norwegian, Icelandic frekna, Swedish fräkna freckle) and speckle (noun)

Word History and Origins

Origin of freckle¹

C14: from Old Norse freknur freckles; related to Swedish fräkne , Danish fregne

Example Sentences

She has a “knife” tattoo on her forearm and freckles on her face.

From Los Angeles Times

“In life, being so self-conscious, red hair, big nose, freckles and goofy, nerdy-looking face and can’t talk at all. I was incredibly shy and never said a word,” Walton told The Oregonian newspaper in 2017.

From Seattle Times

Plus, JP’s dad is a preacher, and JP has a freckled face, round belly, and short brown hair just like him.

From Literature

Snake was tall and skinny, and Newt was short and freckled, with long, stringy braids.

From Literature

During opening weekend on March 16, the museum was a hive of freckles and gap toothed grins, with visitors ranging in age from newborn to well seasoned.

From New York Times

Related Words

• blemish
• blotch
• mole