Stipple: meaning, definitions and examples

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stipple

[ˈstɪp(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

artistic technique

To create a pattern or image by drawing a series of small dots or specks.

Synonyms

dot, pointillize, speckle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stipple	Use this word when describing a technique in painting, drawing, or engraving where small dots or short strokes create a pattern or shading. The artist decided to stipple the shadows to give the portrait more texture. Stippling requires patience and control to achieve the desired effect.
dot	This word is general and can be used in everyday language to describe small, round marks or spots. She added a dot of paint to each corner of the canvas. Please sign your name on the dotted line.
speckle	This word describes many small spots or marks that cover a surface and can be used in various situations, including describing patterns on animals, rust, or splatter patterns. It often has a more random and scattered implication. The eggshell was speckled with tiny brown spots. His face was speckled with freckles.
pointillize	Use this term specifically in the context of art to refer to a technique where small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image, often associated with Georges Seurat. The artist took years to perfect his ability to pointillize, creating stunning landscapes. Pointillized images require careful planning and execution.

Examples of usage

The artist used a fine-tipped pen to stipple the portrait details.
She stippled the background of the painting to give it a textured effect.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

art

A painting or drawing created using the stippling technique.

Synonyms

dotting, pointillism, speckling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stipple	This word is best used when talking about a technique in drawing, painting, or engraving where small dots create a shaded effect or texture. It is often used in art and printmaking. The artist decided to stipple the entire background to give it a more textured look. She used stipple techniques to bring out the shadows in the portrait.
pointillism	This term is specific to a painting technique where distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image. It is closely associated with a specific art movement and is used to describe artworks from this style. Georges Seurat is famous for his pointillism paintings. The museum had an exhibit dedicated to pointillism.
dotting	This word is commonly used to describe placing dots into a pattern, often in crafts, drawing, or even in everyday descriptions of patterns. It is a general term and can be applied to various situations. The decorator spent hours dotting the cake with colorful sprinkles. He enjoys dotting his notes with tiny flowers and stars.
speckling	This term is useful when describing the action of adding small spots or specks to something, often to give a varied texture or pattern. It can also be used in contexts beyond art, such as describing appearances in nature. The baker added a speckling of powdered sugar on top of the pastries. Their fence was speckling with spots of rust.

Examples of usage

The exhibit showcased several beautiful stipple artworks.
Her specialty was creating detailed stipple illustrations.

Interesting Facts

Art Techniques

Stippling is a popular technique in drawing and printmaking where artists use small dots to create textures and shading.
Famous artists, like Georges Seurat, used stippling in pointillism to create beautiful and detailed images using just dots of color.
In etching, stipple can create soft tonal effects that mimic the look of traditional painting.

History

The technique of stippling dates back to ancient civilizations, where dots were used in various fresco and mosaic works.
During the Renaissance, stippling became an important technique among printmakers, allowing for detailed illustrations in books.
The term 'stipple' comes from the Old French word 'estippler,' which means to pierce or dot.

Psychology of Art

Viewing stippled artworks can evoke a sense of calmness due to the repetitive, structured nature of the technique.
This method encourages patience in both the creator and the observer, as details emerge slowly from simple components.
Art that uses stippling often influences perception; the tiny dots can lead the viewer to see a cohesive image despite the disconnection of individual marks.

Modern Usage

Stippling is commonly used in graphic design software, where artists replicate the effect digitally with tools that mimic the dotting technique.
In contemporary art, stippling continues to be a method of choice for creating intricate patterns and textures in mixed media pieces.
You can find stippling in tattoo art, where artists use dots to create shading and designs, providing a unique texture.

Translations

Translations of the word "stipple" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pontilhar

🇮🇳 बिंदु करना

🇩🇪 punktieren

🇮🇩 menitik

🇺🇦 краплити

🇵🇱 kropkować

🇯🇵 点描する (tenbyou suru)

🇫🇷 pointiller

🇪🇸 puntillismo

🇹🇷 noktalı çizmek

🇰🇷 점묘하다 (jeommyeohada)

🇸🇦 تنقيط

🇨🇿 tečkovat

🇸🇰 bodkovať

🇨🇳 点画 (diǎnhuà)

🇸🇮 pikčasti

🇮🇸 punktalína

🇰🇿 нүктелеу

🇬🇪 წერტილების დადება

🇦🇿 nöqtələmək

🇲🇽 puntillismo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,196 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

...
34193 pollinate
34194 hawsers
34195 voracity
34196 stipple
34197 naturalizing
34198 foxglove
34199 deporting
...