1
: variegated in color
a motley coat
2
: made up of many different people or things
a motley crowd
a motley collection of junk
Examples of motley in a Sentence
Adjective
a motley collection of junk
a motley crew of musicians
Noun
the motleys with their colorful outfits
a motley of old junk stored in the attic
Recent Examples on the Web
Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
But much of the Coast Guard’s success is due to sage leadership and guidance from a motley set of talented back-room managers.
—Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
This week’s foe, Tennessee, is almost as motley.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motley
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Adjective
Omniscience gives way to a motley chorus of inner monologues and hushed conversations, kitchen table squabbles, restless thoughts, wistful memories.
—Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
But much of the Coast Guard’s success is due to sage leadership and guidance from a motley set of talented back-room managers.
—Craig Hooper, Forbes.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
The neutral design appeals to people of all genders and with a motley of styles.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025
This week’s foe, Tennessee, is almost as motley.
—Kevin Cusick, Twin Cities, 25 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for motley
Cite this Entry
“Motley.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motley. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
motley
1 of 2 adjective
mot·ley
ˈmät-lē 
1
: having various colors
2
: composed of various often unlike kinds or parts
a motley collection of junk
motley
2 of 2 noun1
a
: a garment of mixed colors worn by a court jester
2
: a mixture of different elements
Biographical Definition
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