dotted line
Americannoun
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a line on a contract or similar document for a party's signature.
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a line at which a sheet of paper is perforated or a piece of it is to be detached.
idioms
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sign on the dotted line, to agree fully to terms or conditions.
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signature on the dotted line, full agreement to terms and conditions.
noun
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a line of dots or dashes on a form or document
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to agree formally, esp by signing one's name on a document
Etymology
Origin of dotted line
First recorded in 1770–75
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.
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
"You look around first and then you check things out and nothing is certain until you sign on the dotted line," she said.
From BBC • Feb. 9, 2025
He traced the dotted line along the narrow path.
From "Mystery Map (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #3)" by Franklin W. Dixon
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.
