Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌdə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "ruddle" is spelled with two separate d's despite its pronunciation. This is due to the etymology of the word, which comes from the Old English "rudul," meaning red. The spelling with two d's is a result of the word's evolution through Middle English and Early Modern English. The IPA phonetic transcription of "ruddle" is /ˈrʌd(ə)l/ with the primary stress on the first syllable and a schwa sound in the second syllable.
Ruddle is a noun that refers to a red or reddish-brown pigment or coloring substance. It is typically composed of ferric oxide, often known as red ochre or red iron oxide, and is used for various purposes including painting, dyeing, and marking.
Originally deriving from the Old English word "rudu," meaning redness, ruddle has a long history of use in different cultures. It has been employed as a natural pigment for cave paintings, prehistoric artifacts, and traditional artworks. In medieval times, ruddle was commonly used as a dye for textiles and a pigment for illuminated manuscripts.
Beyond its artistic applications, ruddle has been utilized in practical and industrial contexts. It has been employed for marking livestock, such as sheep, due to its distinctive red hue that easily stands out on their white fleece. Additionally, in the mining industry, ruddle has been used for marking boundaries, orientation, or to indicate hazardous areas.
In contemporary usage, ruddle can still be found in certain traditional crafts or artistic practices, as well as in archaeological restorations seeking to recreate authentic historical colors. However, its application has significantly diminished with the advent of synthetic red pigments that offer greater stability and colorfastness.
Overall, ruddle is a versatile coloring substance that has played a significant role in various human activities, particularly in ancient and medieval times, showcasing its historical value as an important natural pigment.
• A species of red earth; red chalk; red ochre.
• To mark with ruddle, as sheep.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "ruddle" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from the Middle English word "rudel", which ultimately comes from the Old English word "rudu", meaning "red". The Old English term shares a common Germanic root with the Old Norse word "ruða", which also means "red". These words all ultimately trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "reudh", meaning "red" or "ruddy". Over time, the spelling of "rudel" evolved into "ruddle", and this word has been used historically to refer to a red or reddish-brown pigment or dye, particularly one made from red ocher or ferric oxide.
