VocabDictionary

speckled

/ˈspɛk.əld/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Marked with a large number of small spots or patches of color.

Example Sentences:
  • The bird laid three pale blue eggs that were speckled with dark brown spots.
  • She wore a speckled grey sweater that looked like granite.
2.verb

Past tense and past participle of 'speckle'; to cover or mark with small spots.

Example Sentences:
  • Raindrops speckled the dusty windshield of the old truck.
  • The artist speckled the canvas with tiny droplets of white paint to create a starry effect.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “speckled”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Middle English 'spekled', formed from 'spekle' (a small spot or speck) plus the suffix '-ed'. 'Spekle' is a diminutive of the Middle English 'spek', which traces back to the Old English 'specca', meaning a spot or stain, likely of Germanic origin related to Middle Dutch 'spekkel'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'speck' of dust; if something is covered in many 'specks', it is 'speckled'.

Frequently Asked Questions About “speckled

1. What is the meaning of “speckled” in English?

In English, speckled (adjective) is defined as: “Marked with a large number of small spots or patches of color.”.

2. How do you use “speckled” in a sentence?

The bird laid three pale blue eggs that were speckled with dark brown spots.

3. What are English synonyms of “speckled”?

Common synonyms include:spotted,dappled,mottled,flecked,stippled

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “speckled”?

Derived from the Middle English 'spekled', formed from 'spekle' (a small spot or speck) plus the suffix '-ed'. 'Spekle' is a diminutive of the Middle English 'spek', which traces back to the Old English 'specca', meaning a spot or stain, likely of Germanic origin related to Middle Dutch 'spekkel'.