piebald
UK: ˈpaɪbɔːld | US: ˈpaɪbɔːld
adj. (of an animal) having irregular patches of two colors, typically black and white
n. an animal with piebald coloring
The word piebald originated in the 16th century, combining pie (magpie) and bald (white patch). Magpies were iconic for their stark black-and-white feathers, and bald originally described animals with white markings. Over time, the term expanded to describe any animal with irregular patches of two colors, not just black and white. The logic is vivid: it compares an animal’s spotted coat to a magpie’s plumage.
The farmer owned a piebald horse with striking black-and-white patches.
Piebald deer are rare but occasionally seen in this forest.
She painted a portrait of her piebald dog, capturing its unique markings.
The circus featured a piebald pony in its parade.
Genetic mutations can cause piebald patterns in many species.