noun
speck
spehk
Speck (noun) means a very small spot, mark, or particle. Example: “She wiped a speck of dust off the shelf.”
noun
1
A very small spot, mark, or particle.
"She wiped a speck of dust off the shelf."
"From the plane, the cars below looked like tiny specks."
verb
1
To mark something with small spots.
"The wall was specked with paint."
How to use speck
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA tiny mark, spot, or bit of something.
Common pairings
a speck of dust
not a speck
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Word forms
- Plural
- specks
- Third person singular
- specks
- Past tense
- specked
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She wiped a _____ of dust off the shelf.
Etymology
From Old English specca, "small spot or stain," related to a Germanic word for "spark."
Related words
Rhymes for speck
See all rhymes for speck →Frequently asked questions
What does “speck” mean?
The word “speck” means a very small spot, mark, or particle. In plain terms, a tiny mark, spot, or bit of something.
How do you pronounce “speck”?
“Speck” is pronounced spehk (/spɛk/ in IPA).
How do you use “speck” in a sentence?
Here is “speck” used in a sentence: “She wiped a speck of dust off the shelf.”
What part of speech is “speck”?
Depending on how it is used, “speck” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “speck” come from?
The word “speck” comes from Old English. From Old English specca, "small spot or stain," related to a Germanic word for "spark.".
How many meanings does “speck” have?
“Speck” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a very small spot, mark, or particle.
