Word
mottled
Phoneticsmot·tled, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɑtəɫd/
UK/mˈɒtəld/
Definition
v. having a surface that is covered with different colors or marks. It often describes skin, leaves, or fruit that looks patchy or uneven.
v. marked with patches of different colors or shades, often in an irregular or blotchy pattern. Frequently describes biological surfaces or natural textures.
Examples
“The old man's skin was mottled with age spots.”
“The autumn leaves were mottled with red, orange, and brown as they began to fall from the trees.”
“The patient's mottled complexion suggested a lack of circulation, prompting the nurse to check for signs of shock or hypothermia immediately.”
Examples
simple
“The old man's skin was mottled with age spots.”
contextual
“The autumn leaves were mottled with red, orange, and brown as they began to fall from the trees.”
complex
“The patient's mottled complexion suggested a lack of circulation, prompting the nurse to check for signs of shock or hypothermia immediately.”
Real-World Examples
“Females are larger than males and have bumpy skin mottled attractively in varying shades of green, while males are less colorful.” “He cuts one open to show me the inside, mottled brown and floury.” Etymology
1670-80 mottle + -ed.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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