dotted line

American  

noun

dotted lines plural

1. a line on a contract or similar document for a party's signature.

2. a line at which a sheet of paper is perforated or a piece of it is to be detached.

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idioms

1. sign on the dotted line, to agree fully to terms or conditions.

2. signature on the dotted line, full agreement to terms and conditions.

dotted line British  

noun

1. a line of dots or dashes on a form or document

2. to agree formally, esp by signing one's name on a document

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• dotted lines
  plural

Etymology

Origin of dotted line

First recorded in 1770–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dotted line

Vessel tracking information not available for dotted line.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 28, 2026

Others reading your story should know whether their financial adviser is a fiduciary or whether they’re receiving commissions before they sign on the dotted line.

From MarketWatch ● Jan. 5, 2026

The singer got her way in court after a judge decided the evidence indicated the man, who founded 1-800-Flowers, was well enough to sign on the dotted line.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2025

That means, people walk into recruiting offices and sign on the dotted line to potentially serve in combat, risking their lives in the service of the country.

From Salon ● Nov. 12, 2024

The situation might look like this: The dotted line represents the 460-million-mile journey.

From "Flying to the Moon: An Astronaut's Story" by Michael Collins