dappled

adjective

dap·​pled ˈda-pəld 

variants or less commonly dapple

ˈda-pəl 

: marked with small spots or patches contrasting with the background

a dappled fawn

Synonyms of dappled

• dotted

Examples of dappled in a Sentence

a forest that was vibrant with the dappled foliage of autumn

Recent Examples on the Web

Some plants do well in full shade but require dappled light, like common impatiens, columbine, and foxglove. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 17 Apr. 2026

The living room is spacious, the dappled light in the listing photos is appealing, and the oversize windows offer skyline views down West End Avenue. —Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 Apr. 2026

Inchcailloch, Loch Lomond Beautiful at any time of the year, Inchcailloch is particularly spectacular come spring, when the whole island is awash with bluebells dancing under dappled light. —Rosie Conroy, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

Edged in travertine, the screens create dappled patterns when the sun shines. —Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 29 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dappled

• grappled

Kids Definition

dappled

adjective

dap·​pled

ˈdap-əld

variants also dapple

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

a dappled fawn

rested in the dappled shade