piebald
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈpaɪbɔːld//
KK: /ˈpaɪbɔld/
adjective
Definition
Having irregular patches of two or more colors, especially black and white.
Example
The piebald horse stood out in the field with its unique coat pattern.
Conversation
Did you see that horse at the farm yesterday?
Yeah, it was so beautiful with its piebald coat.
I love how unique piebald animals look.
Me too! They really stand out in a crowd.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
spotted
blotched
dappled
Antonyms
uniform
solid
homogeneous
noun
Definition
An animal, particularly a horse, that has irregular patches of two colors, usually black and white.
Example
The piebald horse stood out in the field with its striking coat.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a piebald horse in person?
No, I haven't! What do they look like?
They have these beautiful patches of black and white fur.
Root Explanation
Piebald → It is formed from "pie" (from Middle English *pye*, meaning magpie, a bird known for its black and white coloring) and "bald" (from Old English *beald*, meaning marked or spotted). The word describes an animal, especially a horse, that has irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white, resembling the coloring of a magpie.
Memory Tip
Think of the magpie bird, which has a distinctive black and white pattern ('pie') — this helps you remember that 'piebald' refers to something that is marked with two colors.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.