spotted

adjective

spot·​ted ˈspä-təd 

1

: marked with spots

2

: being sullied : tarnished

3

: characterized by the appearance of spots

Synonyms

• dappled
• dapple
• dotted
• flecked
• freckled
• mottled
• specked
• speckled
• splotchy
• spotty
• stippled
• variegated

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

During the surveys, researchers encountered several snakes with spotted bellies, the study said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 10 July 2024

The spotted lanternfly has joined the ranks of Maryland’s peskiest vermin in recent years, and has become a threat to local ecosystems and agriculture in Carroll County. —Thomas Goodwin Smith, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2024

Birds sing and, using an app, Ted identifies the spotted towhee and evening grosbeak. —Alison Osius, Outside Online, 1 July 2024

As troublesome as the spotted lanternfly can be in cities and suburbs, an infestation in California wine country could become an agricultural disaster. —Julia Daye, Sacramento Bee, 15 June 2024

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 owl
• spotted salamander
• spotted sea trout
• spotted turtle
• two-spotted spider mite

Kids Definition

spotted

adjective

spot·​ted

ˈspät-əd

: marked with spots

a spotted cat