ruddle

1 of 2

noun

rud·​dle ˈrə-dᵊl How to pronounce ruddle (audio)
Synonyms of ruddlenext
: red ocher

ruddle

2 of 2

verb

ruddled; ruddling ˈrəd-liŋ How to pronounce ruddle (audio)
ˈrə-dᵊl-iŋ

transitive verb

: to color with or as if with red ocher : redden

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rodel, from rud, rude, rode "red color, redness" (going back to Old English rudu) + -le, noun suffix, perhaps here instrumental — more at ruddy

Verb

derivative of ruddle entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ruddle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ruddle

ruddervator

ruddle

ruddleman

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Ruddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruddle. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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