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: * a back-formation from dapple-grey, itself a variant of apple-grey, compare possible cognates all said of horses: Old Norse apalgrár (whence Norwegian abildgrå and Swedish apel-grå), German apfelgrau. Compare also French pommelé (“dappled”), from pomme (“an apple”); or, * a relation with Icelandic depill (“a dot, spot”). The noun and verb are both later attested likely as back-formations.

Synonyms

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maculation fleck patch spot speckle

Related words

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Rhymes for dapple

apple grapple pineapple

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of dapple?

"dapple" (noun) means a patch of colour, often one of several, breaking up a surface.

What is another word for dapple?

Other words for "dapple" include maculation, fleck, patch, spot, speckle.

What are the different meanings of dapple?

"dapple" has 2 main meanings: 1. A patch of colour, often one of several, breaking up a surface; 2. An animal whose coat has patches or spots of colour.

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