Mottled: meaning, definitions and examples

Best used when describing something that has irregular patches or spots of different colors.

• The old book's pages were mottled with age spots
• The sky turned a mottled shade of gray and blue before the storm

Used to describe something that has distinct, usually round spots. It is often used for patterns on animals or fabric.

• The dalmatian dog is well-known for its spotted coat
• She wore a dress with a bright red spotted pattern

Appropriate for describing something that has many small spots or specks scattered over a surface.

• The bird's eggs are speckled with tiny brown dots
• His face was speckled with freckles

Refers to something that has stripes, patches, or different colors, often used in relation to plants or elaborate designs.

• The variegated leaves of the plant add an interesting touch to the garden
• The artist used variegated patterns to make the painting more vibrant

Used to describe something that has spots or blotches of different shades or colors. Often used in nature or art.

• The frog had a mottled green and brown skin.
• The artist used a mottled pattern to depict the sky.

Describes something uneven or irregular, often in a negative sense. Can be used to talk about inconsistent conditions or coverage.

• The lawn looked patchy after the dry summer.
• The internet connection was quite patchy in this area.

Refers to something with spots of light and shade, often seen under tree canopies or in natural settings.

• She walked through a dappled path in the forest.
• The sunlight created a dappled effect on the ground.

Typically used for something that has streaks or veins of a different shade or color, resembling marble stone. Commonly used in reference to food or materials.

• The cake had a marbled chocolate and vanilla pattern.
• The library had marbled floors.