marbling

American  

[mahr-bling] / ˈmɑr blɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, process, or art of coloring or staining in imitation of variegated marble.

2. an appearance like that of variegated marble.

3. the intermixture of fat with lean in a cut of meat, which contributes to flavor and tenderness.

4. Bookbinding. marblelike decoration on the paper edges, lining, or binding boards of a book.

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marbling British  

/ ˈmɑːblɪŋ /

noun

1. a mottled effect or pattern resembling marble

2. such an effect obtained by transferring floating colours from a bath of gum solution

3. the streaks of fat in lean meat

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Etymology

Origin of marbling

First recorded in 1680–90; marble + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

This heritage breed is prized for its marbling, tenderness, and genuinely great flavor.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2025

Does it require attention to marbling and dry aging?

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

This creation combined the centuries-old craft of paper marbling with a tried-and-true Nervous System invention: the infinity puzzle.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022

More marbling means more flavor, but it also means you need to wait a little longer for your ribs to be fall-apart tender.

From Washington Post • Jul. 8, 2022

Overhead, the golden streaks marbling the clouds tarnished first to bronze, then to indigo.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros