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Definition of mottle

mottle

/ˈmɑː.təl/
mot · tle
Plural:mottles
•
Adjective:mottled
•
Past Simple:mottled
•
Past Participle:mottled
•
Present Participle:mottling
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mottle Lexical Profile

mottle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To mark or cover a surface with spots, smears, or patches of varying colors or shades.

Example

"Sunlight filtering through the dense oak canopy began to mottle the forest floor with shifting shadows."

Synonyms
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• noun

1

An irregular arrangement or pattern of spots, blotches, or patches of different shades or colors on a surface.

Example

"The polished marble tabletop featured a natural mottle of pale gray and cream."

Synonyms
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• Rhymes for mottle

• Nearby Words

motorsport
motorway
motown
mottle
mottled
mottlet rock rattlesnake
mottling

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 17th century as the participial adjective 'mottled', likely formed as a back-formation and alteration of 'motley' (meaning variegated in color), influenced by 'mote' (a speck).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mottle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mottle
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