spotted

adjective

spot·​ted ˈspä-təd 

1

: marked with spots

2

: being sullied : tarnished

3

: characterized by the appearance of spots

Synonyms

• dotted

Examples of spotted in a Sentence

the spotted tablecloth clashed with the stripes on the wallpaper

not surprisingly, the white cow and black bull had a spotted calf

Recent Examples on the Web

Like the spotted handfish, the red handfish (thymichthys politus) takes its name from its appearance. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 18 June 2025

The shelter also posted a video of Kaylee with her orange-and-black spotted head pressed against the wall, not interacting with anything. —Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2025

The study, published Wednesday, found that the rig shark -- also known as the spotted estuary smoothhound -- produces clicking sounds when handled, according to the study. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2025

The huge piece was pitted like a Holland cheese and carried on its irregular surface some splotches of green and snuff-yellow where the lichens clung in spotted patterns. —Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spotted

• northern spotted owl
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• spotted alfalfa aphid
• spotted cucumber beetle
• spotted dick
• spotted fever
• spotted hyena
• spotted knapweed
• spotted lantern fly
• spotted owl
• spotted salamander
• spotted sea trout
• spotted turtle
• two-spotted spider mite

Rhymes for spotted

• blotted
• clotted
• dotted
• jotted
• knotted
• plotted
• potted
• rotted
• slotted
• squatted
• swatted
• trotted

Kids Definition

spotted

adjective

spot·​ted

ˈspät-əd

: marked with spots

a spotted cat