mottled

adjective

mot·​tled ˈmä-tᵊld How to pronounce mottled (audio)
Synonyms of mottlednext
: marked with spots of different colors : having blotches of two or more colors
mottled tree bark
a mottled complexion
the bird's mottled plumage
A combination of red and blue pigments in the shell of a live lobster creates a mottled camouflage of indeterminate hue that blends in with the ocean floor.Kenneth Chang

Examples of mottled in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But then how is Stu, with mottled skin, calling up Sidney and conducting threatening live video-phone chats with her? Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 26 Feb. 2026 The surface appears slightly mottled or burnished, giving it the feel of something that’s been hand-made and used for years. Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Feb. 2026 The rooms Supremely comfy, with no gimmicky surprises — just proper, old-school amenities, the plumpest beds and (16 types of) pillows, and gleaming bathrooms decked in mottled marble. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026 Keep your furry friend warm this winter with this cozy turtleneck sweater made from mottled gray-black fabric. Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 29 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mottled

Word History

First Known Use

1676, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mottled was in 1676

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mottled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mottled. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on mottled

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster