stippled; stippling
ˈsti-p(ə-)liŋ 
1
: to engrave by means of dots and flicks
2
a
: to make by small short touches (as of paint or ink) that together produce an even or softly graded shadow
b
: to apply (something, such as paint) by repeated small touches
: production of gradation of light and shade in graphic art by stippling small points, larger dots, or longer strokes
also
: an effect produced in this way
Synonyms
Examples of stipple in a Sentence
Verb
the sunlight falling through the lace curtain stippled her face
Recent Examples on the Web
Seyward Darby, Longreads, 23 July 2024
These pests cause leaves to curl and distort in shape or produce a stippling pattern on plant leaves.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2024
Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 18 Mar. 2024
The black splotches were raised, like tiny hillocks, and covered in even tinier white stipples.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for stipple 
Verb
Both of her hands had second degree burns, and her face, arms and chest were stippled with shrapnel and debris.
—Seyward Darby, Longreads, 23 July 2024
These pests cause leaves to curl and distort in shape or produce a stippling pattern on plant leaves.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 July 2024
Noun
Next, take a small detail brush and carefully stipple on flecks of dark brown or black polish to create an eggshell-like motif.
—Megan Decker, refinery29.com, 18 Mar. 2024
The black splotches were raised, like tiny hillocks, and covered in even tinier white stipples.
—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2023
See all Example Sentences for stipple
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stipple.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Stipple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stipple. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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