English Reference
verb · noun

spotting

v. · n.
US /ˈspɑtɪŋ/ UK /spˈɒtɪŋ/ spot·ting

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.the act of seeing or noticing something, especially something that is hard to find.

    v.the present participle and gerund of 'spot', referring to the act of detecting or identifying a specific person or thing.

    Simple

    Spotting the small bird in the thick trees was very difficult.

    In context

    The success of the mission depended on spotting the enemy's movement before they reached the valley floor.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a pattern made of many small dots or marks.

    n.a decorative or natural pattern consisting of small, distinct marks or dots.

    Simple

    The butterfly had beautiful white spotting on its orange wings.

    In context

    The fabric featured irregular spotting that mimicked the appearance of natural stone or aged parchment.

    specklingmottlingdots
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    n.a very small amount of blood that comes from a woman's body between her usual periods.

    n.light vaginal bleeding occurring outside the normal menstrual cycle. Uncountable in a general medical sense.

    Simple

    She went to the doctor because she noticed some spotting between her periods.

    In context

    While light spotting can be a normal side effect of new medication, persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    n.watching someone while they exercise to make sure they stay safe.

    n.the act of observing and assisting a person performing a dangerous exercise, such as weightlifting, to prevent injury.

    Simple

    He asked his friend for some spotting while he tried to lift the heavy weights.

    In context

    Proper spotting is essential during heavy bench presses to ensure the lifter's safety in case of muscle failure.

You couldn't walk down the main street without spotting some of the courtroom's stars, or grab a coffee without overhearing chatter about the case.

BBC News· 22 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated