dappled

1 of 2

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

dappled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of dapple entry 2

Synonyms of dappled

Adjective

• dotted

Examples of dappled in a Sentence

Adjective

a forest that was vibrant with the dappled foliage of autumn

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The result is a quaint and colorful two-bedroom blueprint, with dappled light dancing through the street-facing windows. — Sallie Lewis, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2026

These tropical plants prefer a location in partial shade or dappled sunlight. — Lauren David, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2026

Both plants grow best in organically rich soil in dappled sunlight or deep shade. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026

Her eyes were cast up through the dappled light of the trees tossing their leaves in a light breeze. — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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