Mottle — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈmä-tᵊl/ mot·tle

Meaning & Definition of Mottle

Mottle (noun)

  1. a colored spot
  2. a surface having colored spots or blotches
  3. the presence or arrangement of such spots or blotches on a surface

Mottle (verb)

  1. to mark with spots or blotches of different color or shades of color as if stained

Mottle (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

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

    "canvases covered with streaks and mottles"

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

Mottle (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to mark with small spots especially unevenly

    "old papers that were mottled by mold"

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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Mottle

The most common words with a similar meaning to Mottle:

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

Related Words for Mottle

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 Mottle

Inflections: mottled, mottling

Derived words: mottler (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Mottle

probably back-formation from motley

First known use: 1676

Frequently Asked Questions about Mottle

What does "Mottle" mean?

"Mottle" means a colored spot. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a colored spot. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Mottle"?

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

What are different ways to say "Mottle"?

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

How do you use "Mottle" in a sentence?

Examples of "Mottle" in a sentence: "canvases covered with streaks and mottles"; "old papers that were mottled by mold".

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

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

How do you pronounce "Mottle"?

"Mottle" is pronounced /ˈmä-tᵊl/ and divided into syllables as mot·tle.

What is the origin of the word "Mottle"?

"Mottle" comes from probably back-formation from motley. First known use: 1676.

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

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