# marbled

/ˈmɑɹbəɫd/ (US) · /mˈɑːbəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/marbled
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

having thin lines of colour or fat running through it, like the stone called marble. You see it in expensive beef or pretty paper.

For teachers: marked with streaks or veins of contrasting colour or texture resembling natural marble. Commonly describes meat streaked with fat, and paper, stone, or skin with a veined pattern.

## Examples

- She buys marbled beef for Sunday dinner.
- The butcher shows him a marbled cut of steak with thin lines of fat.
- The old library desk had a marbled surface where grey and white swirls caught the afternoon light.

## Synonyms

streaked, veined, marbleized

## Antonyms

plain, solid, uniform

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.