WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
speck /spɛk/USA pronunciation
n. [countable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- a small spot.
- a very small bit or particle, or something appearing small by comparison or by reason of distance:They were just specks in the distance at first, but soon we could make out a big flock of geese.
- a small or tiny amount of something:[usually singular* a + ~ + of + uncountable noun]This car hasn't given us a speck of trouble.
speck (spek),USA pronunciation
n.
v.t.
speck•ed•ness
(spek′id nis),USA pronunciation n.
speck′less, adj.
speck′less•ly, adv.
speck′less•ness, n.
- a small spot differing in color or substance from that of the surface or material upon which it appears or lies:Specks of soot on the window sill.
- a very little bit or particle:We haven't a speck of sugar.
- something appearing small by comparison or by reason of distance:By then the town was just a speck.
v.t.
- to mark with, or as with, a speck or specks.
- cognate with Dutch spikkel bef. 900; Middle English specke, Old English specca
speck′less•ly, adv.
speck′less•ness, n.