Speckled: meaning, definitions and examples

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speckled

[ˈspɛkəld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

eggs

Covered or marked with a large number of small spots or patches of color.

Synonyms

dappled, flecked, mottled, spotted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
speckled	Used to describe something that has a pattern of small spots or patches of different colors. The speckled eggs of the bird were hidden in the nest.
spotted	Implies regular, noticeable spots or marked areas on a surface, can be used for both positive and negative connotations. The spotted deer moved gracefully through the forest. The spotted fruit was starting to rot.
dappled	Describes a surface with irregular patches of shade, often seen when sunlight filters through leaves. The dappled light through the trees created a beautiful pattern on the ground.
flecked	Refers to tiny marks or spots, often used to describe small, light spots on a darker surface. Her black dress was flecked with gold sparkles.
mottled	Used to describe a surface with irregular patches or spots of different colors, often implying a varied or uneven appearance. The old, mottled walls of the building gave it a unique charm.

Examples of usage

a speckled hen
speckled eggs

^{Context #2 | Noun}

surface

A small spot or patch of color.

Synonyms

dot, fleck, mark, spot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
speckled	Describing something that has many small spots or patches of color. The speckled eggs were hidden in the nest. Her face was speckled with freckles.
spot	Used to describe a small, round area that is different in color or texture from the surrounding area; can also refer to an area or place. There was a red spot on her shirt. This is a great spot for a picnic.
dot	Referring to a small, round mark, often made with a pen or pencil. Can also describe something tiny in size. She placed a dot at the end of the sentence. From a distance, the car looked like a tiny dot.
mark	A general term for any type of small area of a different color or texture; often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation. He left a mark on the paper with his pen. There was a mark on the wall that needed to be cleaned.
fleck	A very small patch of color or light; often used to describe tiny, random spots. His face was flecked with paint after the art project. There was a fleck of gold in the stone.

Examples of usage

The book had speckled pages.
The speckles of paint on the wall

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English 'spekled', which is derived from 'speck', meaning a small mark.
This term has roots in Old English, where 'speca' referred to a small spot or stain.

Nature

Many animals have speckled patterns, such as the speckled trout, which uses its spots for camouflage in its environment.
Speckling in plants, like the freckles on certain leaves, often indicates a variety or provides protection from pests.

Art

In painting, speckled techniques are used to create texture, giving a sense of depth and movement to the artwork.
Jackson Pollock’s drip painting technique often features speckled patterns that emphasize chaos and spontaneity.

Culture

In some cultures, speckled fruits like strawberries or heather flowers are seen as symbols of abundance and fertility.
The phrase 'a speckled egg' has been used in various stories and folklore to denote something unique or unusual.

Fashion

Speckled patterns have made their way into fashion, particularly in textiles, to add vibrancy and character to clothing.
In design, speckled prints can evoke a playful or whimsical aesthetic, often seen in children's wear or casual attire.

Translations

Translations of the word "speckled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 salpicado

🇮🇳 धब्बेदार

🇩🇪 gefleckt

🇮🇩 berbintik

🇺🇦 плямистий

🇵🇱 nakrapiany

🇯🇵 斑点のある

🇫🇷 tacheté

🇪🇸 moteado

🇹🇷 benekli

🇰🇷 얼룩덜룩한

🇸🇦 مرقط

🇨🇿 skvrnitý

🇸🇰 škvrnitý

🇨🇳 有斑点的

🇸🇮 pikčast

🇮🇸 blettótt

🇰🇿 дақты

🇬🇪 ლაქებიანი

🇦🇿 ləkəli

🇲🇽 moteado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,092, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19089 swarmed
19090 aligning
19091 repented
19092 speckled
19093 acoustics
19094 steadfastly
19095 papillary
...