What does mottle mean?
A mottle is an irregular patch of colour that differs from the surrounding area. The word can refer to such a patch itself, as in a mottle of red against a pale background, or to the condition of a surface that has many contrasting patches. As a verb, “to mottle” means to become marked or covered with these patches. The term is especially evocative when describing natural surfaces, such as autumn leaves, clouded skies, animal hides, or changing skin, but it can also be used more generally for materials and paint. “Mottle” is somewhat literary and descriptive; when describing a specific pattern, “mottled” is often the more useful adjective. Its visual implication is irregularity rather than a regular geometric design, and it suggests colours that have blended, spread, or appeared unevenly.
An irregular patch or marking of a colour that differs from the surrounding surface.
"There was a mottle of purple in the centre of the flower."
Usually countable; often used in descriptive or literary contexts.
To become covered with or develop irregular patches of contrasting colour.
"The leaves mottled as the season changed."
Used intransitively for a surface or natural material developing contrasting patches.
The plural is used when referring to several separate patches or markings of colour.
"Small mottles of gold appeared throughout the fabric."
A mottle turns a single surface into a small landscape of contrasting colours.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mottle come from?
The word comes from Old French motele, meaning “mottled” or “speckled.” It developed in Middle English in senses connected with irregular colouring and, by extension, with variegated or uneven appearance. The precise origin of the Old French form is not entirely clear, so its relationship to other Romance and Germanic words cannot be stated with certainty.
Related word forms
How mottle is actually used
The noun is relatively uncommon and literary or descriptive, while the verb is more natural in contexts involving colour, skin, light, or surfaces. “Mottled” is often more common than the noun in everyday descriptions.
Easily confused with mottle
A mottle is an irregular patch of colour, whereas marbling is a decorative pattern made by swirling or veining colours together.
To mottle is to develop uneven patches of colour, while to muddle is to confuse people, ideas, or arrangements.