Definition

Having small spots or marks, often from flies, that make something look dirty or speckled.

Example

The old wallpaper was flyspecked and needed to be replaced.

Conversation

I just noticed that your old car is looking pretty flyspecked these days.

Yeah, I haven't had time to clean it in ages!

Maybe we could wash it together this weekend.

That sounds like a plan — it definitely needs some attention.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Flyspecked → It is formed from "fly" (from Old English *flēoge*, meaning a small flying insect) and "specked" (from Middle English *specke*, meaning marked with small spots). The word "flyspecked" describes something that is marked with small spots, resembling the marks left by flies.

Memory Tip

Think of small flying insects ('fly') leaving tiny marks ('specked') on a surface — that's what flyspecked means.

Visually Confused Words