speckle

speck·le | \ ˈspe-kəl

How to pronounce speckle (audio)

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Definition of speckle

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a little speck (as of color)

speckle

speckled; speckling\ ˈspe-k(ə-)liŋ

How to pronounce speckling (audio)

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Definition of speckle (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to mark with speckles

2 : to be distributed in or on like speckles

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about speckle

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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: Noun While gray speckles in his beard betray his youthful countenance, Thompson’s face has largely remained the same. — Elahe Izadi, Washington Post, "The quiet brilliance of Kenan Thompson," 28 Aug. 2019 Previous research has shown that the colors and speckles on dinosaur eggshells may vary depending on the dinosaur's nesting behavior, such as whether the species buries its eggs or broods them. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "In a first, fossil bird found with unlaid egg," 20 Mar. 2019 After billions of years, however, that dazzling surface is now rife with dark tracks, speckles, and splotches. — National Geographic, "Why does Earth have a moon, and how does it affect our planet?," 3 July 2019 Every June and July, red, white and blue banners advertising firework stands at the nearest exit speckle highways around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. — Emma Ruby, Dallas News, "Firecrackers, family and funky hair: The folks behind North Texas' fireworks stands," 3 July 2019 The adult is quite pretty, mauve with black speckles. — Adrian Higgins, Washington Post, "‘This is going to be a bad one’: A new pest is causing quarantines in Va. and Pa.," 26 June 2019 CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN PARTY Bejeweled red loafers and shoes glimmering with silver leather tassels and speckles of paint were among the newest design ideas by famed shoemaker Christian Louboutin. — Washington Post, "Sheer spectacle: Paris is the real star of menswear shows," 20 June 2019 In her previous work, Wiemann reconstructed dinosaur eggs' colors and speckles, which likely correspond to nesting strategies. — Michael Greshko, National Geographic, "In a first, fossil bird found with unlaid egg," 20 Mar. 2019 Makeup artist Val Garland created an eye opening masterpiece with frosted, larger-than-life lashes adorned by rainbow, reflective speckles. — Akili King, Vogue, "The Best Beauty Instagrams of the Week: Madonna, Candice Swanepoel, and More," 3 Mar. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Georgia fans Sanford Stadium was speckled with pink during the UGA’s 55–0 win over Arkansas State on Saturday. — Ross Dellenger, SI.com, "The Rundown: A Week 3 Light on Flashy Matchups Still Manages to Deliver," 15 Sep. 2019 For a change of pace, take a day trip to the misty, emerald green hills of County Wicklow, or catch a train to the beaches and charming fishing villages that speckle the coast outside Dublin. — National Geographic, "Ireland High School Expedition," 12 June 2019 Days here linger warm and sunny, and huge ranches, some of which have been around for 100-plus years, run trail rides on rolling grassland, into desertlike canyons, and through forests speckled with gold-leafed aspens. — Outside Online, "The Best Places to Savor Fall in British Columbia," 14 Aug. 2019 The surface of the clear water is heavily speckled with water lilies blooming in the hot summer sun. — Peter Marteka, courant.com, "A trip to a Kent preserve Monet might have painted," 2 Aug. 2019 My thinking was the raspberry powder would speckle the egg whites bright fuchsia, adding drama to the dessert course. — Melissa Clark, New York Times, "This Dessert Is Worthy of a Diva, or Two," 12 July 2019 The neighborhood and hotel appeal to modernists seeking out accommodations with loft-style décor, large windows and rich colors speckled throughout the rooms — 11 of them suites — and lobby. — Kimber Westphall, Dallas News, "These Instagram-worthy hotels are the main attraction," 22 July 2019 Meanwhile, the White House website and Twitter feed are speckled with spelling and factual errors. — Heather Timmons, Quartz, "The White House does not need to hire another person to lie for the president," 14 June 2019 Also notable is France’s hexagon-speckled away uniform, complete with matching socks. — Siobhan Morrin, Time, "5 Big Stories to Watch in the Women's World Cup," 5 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'speckle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

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