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Synonyms

on the dot

Idioms  

  1. Exactly on time, as in We had to be there at eight on the dot. The dot in this idiom is the mark appearing on the face of a watch or clock indicating the time in question. It may come from the earlier to a dot, meaning “exactly” since the early 1700s but no longer heard today. [c. 1900] Also see on the button.

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 starts proceedings on the dot at 08:00 each morning.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

At 10 a.m. on the dot, an employee opens the door and the all-day parade begins.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 12, 2025

As a three-hour program — Knight opened at 7 p.m. on the dot — Sunday’s show moved quickly, with a rotating stage that whirred to life after each woman’s set.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2025

At 7 p.m. on the dot, drag queen Jupiter Genesis kicked off the show, wearing a layered purple boa and a metallic bustier.

From Slate • Nov. 2, 2024

Ben and Radar showed up at eight on the dot.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green

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.