ruddle

1 of 2

noun

rud·dle ˈrə-dᵊl

Synonyms of ruddle next

: red ocher

ruddle

2 of 2

verb

ruddled; ruddling ˈrəd-liŋ

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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ruddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ruddle. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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ruddle

noun

verb

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near ruddle

Cite this Entry