freckle

1 of 2

noun

freck·​le ˈfre-kəl 

: any of the small brownish spots in the skin due to augmented melanin production that increase in number and intensity on exposure to sunlight

freckly

ˈfre-k(ə-)lē 

adjective

freckle

2 of 2

verb

freckled; freckling ˈfre-k(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

: to sprinkle or mark with freckles or small spots

intransitive verb

: to become marked with freckles

Synonyms

Verb

• blotch
• dapple
• dot
• fleck
• marble
• mottle
• pepper
• shoot
• speck
• speckle
• splotch
• spot
• sprinkle
• stipple

Examples of freckle in a Sentence

Noun

a pale, redheaded girl with freckles across her cheeks

Verb

His skin freckles but doesn't tan.

Tiny black spots freckled the walls.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At her most recent outing to Arrowhead Stadium, the 14-time Grammy winner sported a plaid dress, platform boots and eye-catching glitter freckles on her cheeks. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 8 Oct. 2024

Continuing her parade of noteworthy game-day fashion, Swift's ensemble featured one particularly head-turning accessory — glitter freckles. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 Oct. 2024

Verb

The profiteroles, drizzled with warm, rich, dark chocolate, are like little elegant ice cream sandwiches freckled with powdered sugar. —Detroit Free Press, 6 Mar. 2024

Fake but seriously lifelike clusters of plants and patches of moss freckle the room’s landscape. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English freken, frekel, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse freknōttr freckled

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

freckle

1 of 2 noun

freck·​le ˈfrek-əl 

: a small brownish spot in the skin

freckly

-(ə-)lē 

adjective

freckle

2 of 2 verb

freckled; freckling ˈfrek-(ə-)liŋ 

: to mark or become marked with freckles

Medical Definition

freckle

1 of 2 noun

freck·​le ˈfrek-əl 

: any of the small brownish spots in the skin that are due to augmented melanin production and that increase in number and intensity on exposure to sunlight

called also ephelis

compare lentigo

freckled

-əld 

adjective

freckle

2 of 2 transitive verb

freckled; freckling ˈfrek-(ə-)liŋ 

: to become marked with freckles