Dapple — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈda-pəl/ dap·ple

Meaning & Definition of Dapple

Dapple (noun)

  1. any of numerous usually cloudy and rounded spots or patches of a color or shade different from their background
  2. the quality or state of being dappled
  3. a dappled animal

Dapple (verb)

  1. to mark with dapples
  2. to produce a dappled pattern

Dapple (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part

    "the clouds threw dapples of shadow over the eerily quiet street"

    similar: blotch, dot, eyespot, fleck, mottle, patch, pip, point, speck, speckle, splotch, spot
    related: birthmark, freckle, mole, blob, blot, mark, smear, smudge, smutch, stain, spatter, splash, polka dot

Dapple (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to mark with small spots especially unevenly

    "sunlight dappled the canopy of vines over our heads"

    similar: blotch, dot, fleck, freckle, marble, mottle, pepper, shoot, speck, speckle, splotch, spot, sprinkle, stipple
    related: blot, dye, stain, band, bar, streak, stripe, intersperse, set, stud, bespatter, spatter

Related Entry: Dappled (adjective)

Dappled is a different word from Dapple. The synonyms below are for dappled, not for dapple.

  1. marked with spots

    "a dappled fawn"

    similar: dotted, flecked, freckled, mottled, specked, speckled, splotchy, spotted, spotty, stippled, variegated
    related: spangled, marbled, moiré, veined, chromatic, colored, colorful, motley, multicolored, multihued, polychromatic, polychrome, prismatic, rainbow, varicolored, blotched, blotchy, piebald, pinto, roan
    opposite: unspotted
    near: solid

  2. having blotches of two or more colors

    "a forest that was vibrant with the dappled foliage of autumn"

    similar: blotched, blotchy, marbled, mottled, piebald, pied, pinto, splotched, spotted
    related: shaded, checkered, motley, multicolored, polychromatic, polychrome, varicolored, variegated, blotted, brindled, calico, specked, speckled, streaked, colored, colorful, pigmented, dotted, peppered, sprinkled, stippled, discolored, dyed, marked, stained, flecked, bespattered, spattered
    near: monochromatic, monochrome, monochromic, solid

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Dapple

The most common words with a similar meaning to Dapple:

blotch, dot, eyespot, fleck, mottle, patch, pip, point, speck, speckle, splotch, spot, freckle, marble, pepper, shoot, sprinkle, stipple

Related Words for Dapple

birthmark, mole, blob, blot, mark, smear, smudge, smutch, stain, spatter, splash, polka dot, dye, band, bar, streak, stripe, intersperse, set, stud, bespatter

Word Forms of Dapple

Inflections: dappled, dappling

Origin & Etymology of Dapple

Middle English dappel-gray, adjective, gray marked with spots of another color

First known use: circa 1586

Words & Phrases Containing Dapple

dappled

Frequently Asked Questions about Dapple

What does "Dapple" mean?

"Dapple" means any of numerous usually cloudy and rounded spots or patches of a color or shade different from their background. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: any of numerous usually cloudy and rounded spots or patches of a color or shade different from their background. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Dapple"?

Other words for "Dapple" include blotch, dot, eyespot, fleck, mottle, patch, pip and point. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Dapple" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Dapple"?

There are 39 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Dapple". Common alternatives include blotch, dot, eyespot, fleck, mottle, patch, pip, point, speck and speckle.

How do you use "Dapple" in a sentence?

Examples of "Dapple" in a sentence: "the clouds threw dapples of shadow over the eerily quiet street"; "sunlight dappled the canopy of vines over our heads".

Is "Dapple" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Dapple" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Dapple"?

"Dapple" is pronounced /ˈda-pəl/ and divided into syllables as dap·ple.

What is the origin of the word "Dapple"?

"Dapple" comes from Middle English dappel-gray, adjective, gray marked with spots of another color. First known use: circa 1586.

What is another word for "Dapple" meaning "a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part"?

When "Dapple" (noun) means a small area that is different (as in color) from the main part, synonyms include blotch, dot, eyespot, fleck, mottle and patch.