verb
dapple
To mark a surface with patches of different color or light.
Sunlight dapples the forest floor as it filters through leaves.
Etymology
The verb is formed from the noun for a colored spot or patch. It names producing that varied surface, whether through pigment, markings, or alternating light and shade.
More examples
- Small white spots dapple the horse's brown coat.
- Afternoon light dapples the kitchen wall.
- The artist dappled the blue background with pale green paint.
Forms
dapple · dapples · dappled · dappling
Similar words
- mottle
- Emphasizes irregular blotches of color rather than patches of light.
- speckle
- Suggests smaller, more distinct spots rather than broader patches.
- stipple
- Usually means deliberately applying many small dots of color.