dapple

1 of 2

noun

dap·​ple ˈda-pəl 

1

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

2

: the quality or state of being dappled

3

: a dappled animal

dapple

2 of 2

verb

dappled; dappling ˈda-p(ə-)liŋ 

transitive verb

: to mark with dapples

intransitive verb

: to produce a dappled pattern

sun dappling through trees

Synonyms of dapple

Noun

• fleck
• dot
• speck
• blotch
• patch

Verb

• sprinkle
• dot
• stain
• fleck
• marble
• pepper

Examples of dapple in a Sentence

Noun

the clouds threw dapples of shadow over the eerily quiet street

Verb

sunlight dappled the canopy of vines over our heads

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The intricate diamond cuts and iconic Lismore pattern will cast elegant dapples of light across your table, while the weight of the crystal makes every clink feel even more satisfying. — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Working with longtime makeup artist Ernesto Casillas, Z showcased a glowy, poreless base with super soft rosy blush diffused on her cheeks, finished with a natural, luminous highlight across her cheekbones like a dapple of sunlight. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 July 2026

Verb

With the light dappling down from a sunroof, my dress was presented in all her glory. — Alexandra MacOn, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

The small spaces between leaves will dapple patterns of the eclipse phase on the ground. — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English dappel-gray, adjective, gray marked with spots of another color

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1599, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for dapple

• appal
• apple
• chapel
• grapple
• pineapple

Kids Definition

dapple

1 of 2 noun

dap·​ple ˈdap-əl 

1

: any spot or patch of a dappled pattern

2

: a dappled state

3

: a dappled animal (as a horse)

dapple

2 of 2 verb

dappled; dappling -(ə-)liŋ 

: to mark or become marked with a dappled pattern

daisies dappled the field