Often describes animals or objects with a naturally irregular pattern of different colors. The speckled pattern of the butterfly's wings helped it blend into the leaves.
Pro Tip 2/3
Lightly Scattered
'Speckled' usually implies spots are lightly and randomly scattered, not dense. The artist's speckled brushwork gave the painting a delicate texture.
Pro Tip 3/3
No Negative Connotation
Used neutrally, without implying something is dirty or flawed when describing natural colors. The speckled shell of the quail egg was admired for its beauty.