dapple Meaning & Definition
What Does Dapple Mean?
As a noun, dapple means A mottled marking, usually in clusters. It is also used to mean An animal with a mottled or spotted skin or coat. As an adjective, it means Having a mottled or spotted skin or coat, dappled. As a verb, it means To mark or become marked with mottling or spots.
Dapple: Key Facts
| Part of speech | noun, adjective, verb |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈdæpəɫ/ |
| Synonyms | spot, patch and mottle |
| Plural | dapples |
| Comparative / superlative | more dapple, most dapple |
| Verb forms | dapples, dappling, dappled |
Dapple Definition (Noun)
- A mottled marking, usually in clusters.
- An animal with a mottled or spotted skin or coat.
Dapple as an Adjective
- Having a mottled or spotted skin or coat, dappled.
Dapple as a Verb
- To mark or become marked with mottling or spots.
Synonyms of Dapple
Dapple synonyms and antonyms →Dapple in a Sentence
a dapple horse
Word Forms & Grammar
dapple (plural dapples)
dapple (comparative more dapple, superlative most dapple)
dapple (third-person singular simple present dapples, present participle dappling, simple past and past participle dappled)
Words That Rhyme With Dapple
Origin of Dapple
Origin 1: Uncertain. The adjective is first attested circa 1550 though the first element is already attested in dapple-grey as early as 1386, in Middle English, and later as dappled circa 1400; the OED suggests either:
Origin 2: The noun and verb are both later attested likely as back-formations.
Origin 3: See also Norwegian Nynorsk eplut and Russian в яблоках (v jablokax).
Common Questions About Dapple
Is dapple a noun or an adjective?
Dapple is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective and a verb.
What is another word for dapple?
Close synonyms of dapple are spot, patch and mottle. See the full list of dapple synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of dapple?
The plural of dapple is dapples.
What is the past tense of dapple?
The past tense of dapple is dappled. The present participle is dappling.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of dapple?
The comparative form is more dapple and the superlative form is most dapple.