polka dot
Americannoun
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a dot or round spot (printed, woven, or embroidered) repeated to form a pattern on a textile fabric.
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a pattern of or a fabric with such dots.
noun
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one of a pattern of small circular regularly spaced spots on a fabric
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a fabric or pattern with such spots
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( as modifier )
a polka-dot dress
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Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of polka dot
An Americanism dating back to 1880–85
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She later went from a figure-hugging sheer lavender Gucci gown to a playful daytime polka dot ensemble from Jacquemus matched with retro white sun glasses, with Elle magazine praising her "old Hollywood" dash.
From Barron's ● May 22, 2026
"You need to get colour and interest into the room. I go for stripes or check or polka dot and you can get a set for around £10."
From BBC ● Feb. 15, 2026
Stewart did not refrain from expressing this opinion in the saltiest terms on-air, especially to Carlson, the show’s co-host who was cast as the overgrown college Republican with odious views and a polka dot bowtie.
From Salon ● Feb. 2, 2026
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 ● Jul. 9, 2025
As for a swimsuit, my options were limited to my black one-piece and the red and white polka dot one I bought last summer but hadn’t had the balls to wear.
From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
