markings
markings — noun
1. Coloured shapes, stripes, or spots that appear naturally on the fur, feathers, o
Coloured shapes, stripes, or spots that appear naturally on the fur, feathers, or skin of an animal and help people tell one species or individual from another.
The tiger's black stripes are distinctive markings that help it hide in the tall grass.
collocation: distinctive markings
Birdwatchers use the white markings on a sparrow's wings to tell similar species apart.
pattern: markings on [body part]
Each zebra in the herd has a unique set of black and white markings on its body.
The markings on a monarch butterfly's orange wings warn birds that it tastes unpleasant.
The wildlife biologist photographed the leopard's spot markings to track its movements across the reserve.
- pattern
Broader term — pattern can refer to any repeated design; markings specifically refers to natural marks on living things.
- colouration
More technical term used in biology to describe the full colour appearance, not just the marks.
- stripes
A specific type of marking (long narrow bands); not interchangeable when the shape is spots or patches.
文法句型
markings on [animal/body-part]
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used in the plural; the singular form 'marking' is rare and refers to one individual spot or stripe rather than the overall pattern.
常見錯誤
2. Colours, numbers, letters, or symbols placed on an object, surface, or road to p
Colours, numbers, letters, or symbols placed on an object, surface, or road to provide information, show ownership, or indicate a specific use.
The mechanic checked the serial markings on the engine to find the right replacement part.
collocation: serial markings
Yellow road markings near the school tell drivers that they must slow down to forty kilometres an hour.
collocation: road markings
The boxes in the warehouse had special fragile markings so the workers would handle them with care.
Archaeologists found mysterious markings carved into an old stone wall near the village temple.
Inspectors look for official markings on food containers to confirm the products are safe to eat.
- symbols
Often implies a meaningful sign or character; markings is broader and can include non-symbolic marks like lines.
- labels
Refers to attached tags or written information; markings are directly applied to the surface.
- insignia
More formal and specific to official badges or emblems of rank; markings covers a wider range.
文法句型
markings on [object/surface]
用法筆記
Unlike sense 1 (which refers to natural patterns on animals), this sense refers to human-made or applied marks on objects, roads, or surfaces. The two senses are distinguished by the subject — living creature vs. manufactured object.
常見錯誤
3. The task of reading students' written assignments or exam papers, finding errors
The task of reading students' written assignments or exam papers, finding errors, and giving a score or grade for each piece of work.
The history teacher spent the whole weekend doing the marking for thirty exam papers.
collocation: do the marking
Fair marking requires the same standards to be applied to every student's essay in the class.
The school hired two graduate assistants to help with the marking of multiple-choice science tests.
Online tools have made the marking of simple grammar exercises much faster for language teachers.
A pile of unfinished marking on the desk reminded Mr. Okonkwo that the term was almost over.
- grading
The American English equivalent; 'marking' is more common in British and Australian systems.
- assessment
Broader term that includes quizzes, final exams, and ongoing evaluation; marking refers specifically to scoring written work.
- correction
Focuses on identifying errors rather than assigning a score; marking covers both error-finding and grading.
文法句型
the marking of [work]
用法筆記
In this sense the word is uncountable and almost always used in the singular form 'marking'. Saying 'markings' to mean graded work is extremely rare. This sense is predominantly used in British English; American English prefers 'grading' instead.
常見錯誤
4. In sports such as football, basketball, and hockey, the action of staying close
In sports such as football, basketball, and hockey, the action of staying close to a player from the opposing team to prevent them from receiving the ball or scoring points.
The defender's tight marking of the striker stopped the visiting team from scoring a single goal.
collocation: tight marking
Good man-to-man marking means following your opponent everywhere they move on the basketball court.
collocation: man-to-man marking
The coach told the team to switch from zone defence to close marking after the halftime break.
Her strong marking in the final match kept the opposing point guard from making easy passes to her teammates.
The referee called a foul because the marking on the number ten player had become too rough and physical.
- guarding
The more general term used across many sports in American English; 'marking' is the standard term in British football.
- covering
Describes staying near an opponent but often implies zone defence; marking suggests a closer, one-on-one approach.
- shadowing
Implies following an opponent very closely all over the field; more intense than standard marking.
- dribbling
The offensive action of moving with the ball, which is the opposite of marking someone off the ball.
文法句型
marking of [player]
用法筆記
This sense is uncountable and used in the singular 'marking'. It is most common in British sports commentary and coaching. American English more frequently uses 'guarding' or 'defence'. Distinguish from sense 2: here the focus is on the defensive action in games, not on visible marks on surfaces.