stipple

1 of 2

verb

stip·​ple ˈsti-pəl 

stippled; stippling ˈsti-p(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to engrave by means of dots and flicks

2

a

: to make by small short touches (as of paint or ink) that together produce an even or softly graded shadow

b

: to apply (something, such as paint) by repeated small touches

3

: speckle, fleck

stippler

ˈsti-p(ə-)lər 

noun

stipple

2 of 2

noun

: production of gradation of light and shade in graphic art by stippling small points, larger dots, or longer strokes

also : an effect produced in this way

Synonyms of stipple

Verb

• dot
• sprinkle
• stain
• marble
• dye

Examples of stipple in a Sentence

Verb

the sunlight falling through the lace curtain stippled her face

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

For best results, apply with a damp beauty sponge using a stippling motion rather than sweeping strokes, which can disturb coverage and leave streaks. —Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 13 June 2026

Yellow stippling on plant leaves and sticky honeydew residue can be signs of pests, but pests can also cause leaf wilting and stunted growth. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Jan. 2026

Noun

Squash bugs leave white stipples, or dots, on foliage, followed by yellowing leaves. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 June 2026

In areas that need more coverage, lightly stipple on an additional layer rather than piling on too much at once. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Dutch stippelen to spot, dot

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stipple

• cripple
• nipple
• ripple
• tipple
• triple
• participle

Kids Definition

stipple

verb

stip·​ple

ˈstip-əl

stippled; stippling

-(ə-)liŋ

: to apply (as paint or ink) by repeated small touches

stipple noun

stippler

-(ə-)lər

noun