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Marbled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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marbled

[ˈmɑːrbəld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

texture

Having a streaked or mottled appearance resembling marble.

Synonyms

mottled, streaked, variegated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marbled

Used to describe a surface or material like stone or meat with a pattern that resembles marble, often with swirls and interwoven lines.

  • The kitchen countertop was made of marbled granite
  • The steak was highly prized for its marbled fat distribution
streaked

Commonly used to describe something marked with long, thin lines or stripes of a different color or texture.

  • The sky was streaked with hues of pink and orange at sunset
  • Her hair was streaked with gray, showing signs of aging
mottled

Often used for surfaces or materials that have spots or blotches of different shades or colors, giving a speckled or patchy appearance.

  • The old photograph was covered in mottled spots from years of exposure
  • The frog had green skin that was mottled with brown patches
variegated

Used to describe something, especially plants or foliage, that has different colors, often in irregular patches or streaks.

  • The garden featured a variety of variegated leaves with green and white patterns
  • The cat's fur was variegated with stripes of black, brown, and tan

Examples of usage

  • The marbled effect on the cake looked so beautiful.
  • The marbled pattern on the fabric was unique.
Context #2 | Adjective

color

Having a mixture of different colors in a pattern that resembles marble.

Synonyms

multicolored, patterned, variegated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marbled

Often used to describe surfaces or materials that have a veined, streaked, or swirled appearance, resembling marble.

  • The kitchen countertop was marbled with shades of grey and white.
  • The cake had a beautiful marbled pattern inside after it was sliced.
multicolored

Used to describe something that has multiple different colors, usually in a random or non-specific pattern.

  • She wore a multicolored dress to the party.
  • The multicolored lights made the room look festive.
variegated

Typically used to describe something that has different colors, especially as streaks, patches, or varied tones. Often used in botanical contexts.

  • The garden was full of variegated plants.
  • She admired the variegated leaves of the ficus tree.
patterned

Refers to a recognizable and often repeating design or arrangement of shapes on a surface.

  • He bought a patterned rug for the living room.
  • The artist created a series of patterned tiles for the mural.

Examples of usage

  • The marbled paper had shades of blue and green.
  • The marbled design on the floor added a touch of elegance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art

  • Marbling is a technique in art where paint is floated on water and then transferred to paper, creating unique, swirling designs.
  • Famous artists, including Jackson Pollock, have used marbling effects to create pieces that evoke motion and depth.

Science

  • In geology, marbling can refer to the formation of certain types of rock, where minerals blend in striking patterns over time.
  • Some animal species, like certain fish, may display marbled patterns for camouflage against predators in their natural habitats.

Food

  • Marbled chocolate cakes combine different types of chocolate to create visually striking desserts that are as delicious as they are beautiful.
  • Marbled effects can also be found in things like cream cheese, where mix-ins create a pleasing visual and flavor contrast in bagels.

Fashion

  • Marbled patterns have gained popularity in fabric design, giving clothing and accessories a unique and artsy flair.
  • Designers use these patterns in everything from wallpaper to handbags, showcasing creativity and individuality.

Origin of 'marbled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'marbled' comes from the Latin 'marmor', meaning marble, which refers to the beautiful stone known for its unique veining.
  • Its use to describe patterns started in the early 16th century as people noticed similar designs in certain materials.

The term 'marbled' originated from the Middle English word 'marbel,' which came from the Old French word 'marbre' and the Latin word 'marmor.' The use of marbled patterns in art and design dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, who used marble in their architecture and sculptures. Over time, the term evolved to describe not just the material marble, but also any surface or object that resembled the distinctive veining and coloration of marble.

See also: marbleing, marbleizing, marbling.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,583, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.