dappled

adjective

dap·​pled ˈda-pəld 

variants or less commonly dapple

ˈda-pəl 

: marked with small spots or patches contrasting with the background

a dappled fawn

Synonyms

• dotted
• flecked
• freckled
• mottled
• specked
• speckled
• splotchy
• spotted
• spotty
• stippled
• variegated

Examples of dappled in a Sentence

a forest that was vibrant with the dappled foliage of autumn

Recent Examples on the Web

In Asturias, Spain becomes a dappled place of woods and tilting pastures, moderate temperatures and soothing winds, tumbling clouds, and deep valleys pitched between spectacular peaks. —Stanley Stewart, airmail.news, 31 Aug. 2024

As the twinkling, sostenuto piano of Daniel Blumberg’s score plays in the background, and slats of dappled light illuminate the elegant chair at the center of the space, the sleek cupboards Tóth has designed open up like the petals of a flower, revealing the minimal shelving underneath. —Liam Hess, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2025

Houseplants can be a bit farther since many of our favorite houseplants like dappled or weaker light, but within two feet is a good rule. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2024

Day 5 Kyoto The Japanese are shocked to hear that there isn’t a word in English to describe the sight of dappled light filtering through the leaves of a tree, a phenomenon currently holding all but my offspring spellbound. —Matt Goulding, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dappled

adjective

dap·​pled

ˈdap-əld

variants also dapple

: marked with numerous usually cloudy and rounded spots or patches of a color or shade different from their background

a dappled fawn

rested in the dappled shade