speckle

1 of 2

noun

speck·​le ˈspe-kəl How to pronounce speckle (audio)
Synonyms of specklenext
: a little speck (as of color)

speckle

2 of 2

verb

speckled; speckling ˈspe-k(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce speckle (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to mark with speckles
2
: to be distributed in or on like speckles

Examples of speckle in a Sentence

Noun a ripe banana with lots of brown speckles the cat has a speckle of orange right at her whiskers Verb speckled the cookies with colored sugar
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.
Noun
Many types of lungwort grow leaves which are frequently splashed with silvery white speckles for extra interest in the shady part of the garden. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 18 Apr. 2026 The eggs vary in color—from white to blue to brown—with speckles, blotches, and other markings and are also distinctive in shape. Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
The cliffside location provides a sweeping view of the ocean, speckled with nearby islands. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026 The handsome blue-green foliage is speckled with silver spots and remains evergreen in the warmer portions of its range. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for speckle

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English; akin to Old English specca

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of speckle was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Speckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/speckle. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

speckle

1 of 2 noun
speck·​le ˈspek-əl How to pronounce speckle (audio)
: a small mark (as of color)

speckle

2 of 2 verb
speckled; speckling ˈspek-(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce speckle (audio)
: to mark with speckles
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