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Stippling: meaning, definitions and examples

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stippling

[ ˈstɪp(ə)lɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb

^{Context #1 | Noun}

art technique

Stippling is a technique in art where small dots or specks are used to create a pattern or image. It is often used in drawings and paintings to add texture and shading.

Synonyms

dotting, pointillism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stippling	Stippling is used in art and design to create images or textures by applying small dots. It's often utilized in various forms of artistry, like drawing, painting, or digital art, to achieve shading and intricate detail. The artist employed stippling to give depth and texture to the portrait. Stippling techniques are commonly taught in art classes to enhance fine motor skills.
dotting	Dotting refers to the simple act of making dots. It's commonly used in contexts where precision is less important than the pattern or repetition of the dots. This term can also be used in everyday language to describe the presence of dots or spots. She spent the afternoon dotting the fabric with colorful dyes. The notebook cover was decorated with tiny dotting patterns.
pointillism	Pointillism is a specific style of painting developed in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of tiny dots of pure color applied in patterns to form an image. This technique is most associated with artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac. Georges Seurat's pointillism technique revolutionized the use of color in painting. The museum had a stunning exhibit on pointillism, showcasing intricate works created from countless tiny dots.

Word

Description / Examples

stippling

Stippling is used in art and design to create images or textures by applying small dots. It's often utilized in various forms of artistry, like drawing, painting, or digital art, to achieve shading and intricate detail.

The artist employed stippling to give depth and texture to the portrait.
Stippling techniques are commonly taught in art classes to enhance fine motor skills.

dotting

Dotting refers to the simple act of making dots. It's commonly used in contexts where precision is less important than the pattern or repetition of the dots. This term can also be used in everyday language to describe the presence of dots or spots.

She spent the afternoon dotting the fabric with colorful dyes.
The notebook cover was decorated with tiny dotting patterns.

pointillism

Pointillism is a specific style of painting developed in the late 19th century, characterized by the use of tiny dots of pure color applied in patterns to form an image. This technique is most associated with artists like Georges Seurat and Paul Signac.

Georges Seurat's pointillism technique revolutionized the use of color in painting.
The museum had a stunning exhibit on pointillism, showcasing intricate works created from countless tiny dots.

Examples of usage

Her drawing of the landscape was created using stippling.
The artist used stippling to give the portrait a realistic look.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

artistic expression

To stipple means to apply the stippling technique in art. It involves carefully placing small dots to create shadows, highlights, and textures.

Synonyms

dapple, dot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stippling	Used primarily in art and design, especially in reference to a technique of creating shading and texture by applying numerous small dots or short strokes. The artist achieved a realistic texture by stippling the contours of the portrait In printmaking, stippling helps in creating detailed images with depth
dot	Refers to small round marks or points and is commonly used in general contexts. Can refer to geometric shapes, punctuation, or small marks. She placed a dot on the map to mark their location The letter 'i' is incomplete without a dot above it
dapple	Describes a pattern or effect that consists of spots or rounded patches, often used to talk about light patterns or coloring of animals. The sunlight dapples through the leaves, casting a beautiful pattern on the ground The horse’s coat had a lovely dapple of brown and white

Word

Description / Examples

stippling

Used primarily in art and design, especially in reference to a technique of creating shading and texture by applying numerous small dots or short strokes.

The artist achieved a realistic texture by stippling the contours of the portrait
In printmaking, stippling helps in creating detailed images with depth

dot

Refers to small round marks or points and is commonly used in general contexts. Can refer to geometric shapes, punctuation, or small marks.

She placed a dot on the map to mark their location
The letter 'i' is incomplete without a dot above it

dapple

Describes a pattern or effect that consists of spots or rounded patches, often used to talk about light patterns or coloring of animals.

The sunlight dapples through the leaves, casting a beautiful pattern on the ground
The horse’s coat had a lovely dapple of brown and white

Examples of usage

She stippled the entire background of the painting.
The illustrator chose to stipple the details of the character's face.

Translations

Translations of the word "stippling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pontilhismo

🇮🇳 डॉटिंग

🇩🇪 Punktieren

🇮🇩 titik-titik

🇺🇦 крапкування

🇵🇱 punktowanie

🇯🇵 点描 (tenbyō)

🇫🇷 pointillisme

🇪🇸 puntillismo

🇹🇷 noktacılık

🇰🇷 점묘법 (jeommyobeop)

🇸🇦 تنقيط

🇨🇿 tečkování

🇸🇰 bodkovanie

🇨🇳 点描 (diǎnmiáo)

🇸🇮 pikčanje

🇮🇸 punkta

🇰🇿 нүктелеу

🇬🇪 წერტილოვანი

🇦🇿 nöqtələmə

🇲🇽 puntillismo

Etymology

The term 'stippling' originated from the Dutch word 'stippelen', which means 'to dot'. Stippling has been used in art for centuries, with examples found in various cultures and artistic movements. Artists like Georges Seurat popularized the use of stippling in the 19th century through the Pointillism movement.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,589 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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32587 trended
32588 dowdy
32589 stippling
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32591 blacktop
32592 sultanate
...