spotted

adjective

spot·​ted ˈspä-təd 

1

: marked with spots

2

: being sullied : tarnished

3

: characterized by the appearance of spots

Synonyms

• dappled
• dapple
• dotted
• flecked
• freckled
• mottled
• specked
• speckled
• splotchy
• spotty
• stippled
• variegated

Examples of spotted in a Sentence

the spotted tablecloth clashed with the stripes on the wallpaper

not surprisingly, the white cow and black bull had a spotted calf

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's how to identify and get rid of spotted lanternflies in your yard and beyond with natural, non-toxic methods. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Sep. 2024

And a stunning population boom followed by some declines is a pretty typical pattern for an invasive species, says Travis, who is national policy manager for spotted lanternflies at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 18 Sep. 2024

The smaller spotted owls have been unable to compete with the invaders, which have larger broods and need less room to survive than spotted owls. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 3 July 2024

When feeding, the spotted lanternfly produces a liquid that can collect on the ground and surrounding vegetation, resulting in mold that kills and discolors surrounding plants. —Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spotted

• northern spotted owl
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• spotted alfalfa aphid
• spotted cucumber beetle
• spotted dick
• spotted fever
• spotted hyena
• spotted knapweed
• spotted lantern fly
• spotted owl
• spotted salamander
• spotted sea trout
• spotted turtle
• two-spotted spider mite

Kids Definition

spotted

adjective

spot·​ted

ˈspät-əd

: marked with spots

a spotted cat