splotch

[ sploch ]

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

/ splɒtʃ /

noun

1. the usual US word for splodge

Derived Forms

• ˈsplotchy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of splotch¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of splotch¹

C17: perhaps a blend of spot + blotch

Example Sentences

The Western United States has experienced an unprecedented number of wildfires in recent years, and some have ripped across the Owyhees, leaving splotches of burned land behind.

From Seattle Times

A lone splotch of orange poppies was also visible.

From Los Angeles Times

In visible-light imaging from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope, these appeared as separate splotches.

From Science Daily

The ball splotching into a puddle of water was Ruidiaz demonstrating how unplayable the grass field was for the Sounders’ road match Saturday against the Philadelphia Union.

From Seattle Times

Doc pulled a pen from his shirt pocket and outlined the outer edge of a fuzzy, misshapen splotch about the size of my thumb.

From Salon

Related Words

• blob
• blotch
• fleck
• smudge