dappled

Dappled is an adjective describing surfaces or patterns marked with irregular patches of color or shade, or a light pattern created by sunlight filtering through foliage. The term emphasizes a contrast between lighter and darker areas, giving a mottled or spotted appearance.

In nature and landscape description, dappled light refers to sunlight that breaks through leaves to produce patches of brightness and shadow on the ground or objects. The effect is often associated with a forest canopy or garden setting and can be used to evoke softness, movement, or depth in writing and photography.

In botany and horticulture, leaves, fruit, or other surfaces may be described as dappled when they show irregular variegation, with lighter and darker patches rather than a uniform color. Dappled patterns can occur naturally or be bred into plants for ornament.

In animal coat terminology, dapples are lighter or darker patches within an otherwise uniform coat. The term is commonly used for horses, such as a dappled gray, where circular or irregular light spots appear on a darker base coat. Dapple patterns can also appear in dogs and other mammals, and their visibility can vary with age, season, and health.

Etymology-wise, dapple originally referred to a patch or blotch of color in English, with the adjective forming to describe similar patterns. The concept appears across art, design, and nature as a way to convey irregular mottling or speckling.

See also: mottling, variegation, speckling.