Search Dictionary
Definition of mottled

mottled

/ˈmɑː.təld/
mot · tled
Past Simple:mottled
•
Past Participle:mottled
•
Present Participle:mottling
JUMP TO:

mottled Lexical Profile

mottled Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Marked with spots, smears, or patches of different colors or shades.

Example

"Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting a mottled pattern of light and shadow across the forest floor."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mottled
Antonyms
View all antonyms for mottled

• verb

1

To mark or become marked with spots or smears of color (simple past tense and past participle of mottle).

Example

"Years of exposure to the damp sea air had mottled the copper roof with patches of pale green patina."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for mottled

• Rhymes for mottled

• Nearby Words

motorway
motown
mottle
mottled
mottlet rock rattlesnake
mottling
motto

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 14th century, the word likely evolved as a back-formation from 'motley,' a Middle English term for a variegated woolen fabric.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Mottled. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/mottled
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.