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

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Etymology

Origin of dotted line

First recorded in 1770–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dotted line

Before buying a property with an HOA, go through a checklist before signing on the dotted line.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 22, 2026

Discovery board members who had fretted for weeks that they weren’t sure Ellison would sign on the dotted line, according to two people close to the auction who were not authorized to comment.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2026

Well the dotted line is the 2024 General Election.

From BBC ● Jan. 17, 2026

Discovery WBD -2.39%decrease; red down pointing triangle sent a message to Larry Ellison: If you want to buy our company, sign on the dotted line yourself.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 18, 2025

“Awesome! That twisty dotted line probably marks the trail to the spot where the treasure is buried.”

From "Mystery Map (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #3)" by Franklin W. Dixon

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