splotch

American  

[sploch] / splɒtʃ /

noun

1. a large, irregular spot; blot; stain; blotch.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to mark or cover with splotches.

verb (used without object)

1. to be susceptible to stains or blots; show or retain stains, blots, or spots of dirt or liquid.

   Don't buy that tablecloth—the material splotches easily.

2. to cause or be liable to cause stains, blots, or spots.

   Be careful of that paint—it splotches.

splotch British  

/ splɒtʃ /

noun

1. the usual US word for splodge

---

Other Word Forms

• splotchy adjective

Etymology

Origin of splotch

First recorded in 1595–1605; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

The other is an overlay of orange and yellow splotches on the land.

From Los Angeles Times

I squeezed them closed, but the ghost of the sun was still there as a purplish splotch behind my lids.

From Literature

And there’s a huge green splotch covering the bottom front part of my favorite purple flowered shirt.

From Literature

The white shirt he was wearing had large dark splotches of sweat under his arms, and he fidgeted from foot to foot.

From Literature

Duane watched him pick up a small, thin piece of wood and apply splotches of different colored goo along the border.

From Literature

Related Words

• blob
• blotch
• fleck
• smudge