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

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

As seen in fan footage shared to Instagram, a dapple gray horse — without a rider — ran up the ranks as the regiment processed at The Mall, which runs between Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 8 May 2026

Verb

Set the scene Leave the posh promenade of San Sebastián’s and wind up the narrow mountain path to Hotel Luze, letting the shade of Igeldo’s lush green forests dapple your windscreen. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026

The eight-year-old girl sat obediently for her portrait, her hair dappled in light against foliage. — Literary Hub, 17 July 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