polka dot

American  

[poh-kuh] / ˈpoʊ kə /

noun

Textiles.

1. a dot or round spot (printed, woven, or embroidered) repeated to form a pattern on a textile fabric.

2. a pattern of or a fabric with such dots.

---

polka dot British  

noun

1. one of a pattern of small circular regularly spaced spots on a fabric

2. 1. a fabric or pattern with such spots

   2. ( as modifier )

      a polka-dot dress

---

Other Word Forms

• polka-dot adjective
• polka-dotted adjective

Etymology

Origin of polka dot

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

During closing arguments, Cardi B wore a black and white polka dot suit with a red bow, her black hair tied up.

From BBC

Its storefront, painted with polka dots and decorated with giant butterflies, sits like a cheery oasis in Gustine’s four-block downtown, a riot of green spilling from the planter boxes out front.

From Los Angeles Times

Playing and dancing on the balcony in a blue polka dot dress, she looks much younger than her age, having suffered from malnutrition in the past.

From BBC

Dressed in a matching polka dot tank top and ruffled skirt with blue chunky heeled boots and a mini purse, Mattel’s newest Barbie may look like previous dolls at first glance.

From Los Angeles Times

But then I found a colorized obscure album cover of Bob in the shirt, and it was green polka dot, which even made it, I think, less attractive to Jim.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• daub
• mottle
• smudge
• speckle