Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

ruddle

noun

ˈrʌd(ə)l

Definition

A red ochre used as a pigment and marking substance, particularly in animal husbandry.

Examples

The farmers used ruddle to mark their sheep during the annual shearing.
Artists sometimes choose ruddle for its vibrant red color in their paintings.
Ruddle has been used since ancient times for various purposes, from art to agriculture.

Meaning

Ruddle refers to a type of red earth pigment made of ferric oxide, historically used for marking sheep and other livestock. It has been traditionally employed in various applications, such as creating red dyes and pigments.