polka dot

noun

pol·​ka dot ˈpō-kə-ˌdät How to pronounce polka dot (audio)
Synonyms of polka dotnext
: a dot in a pattern of regularly distributed dots in textile design
polka-dot adjective
or polka-dotted
ˈpō-kə-ˌdä-təd How to pronounce polka dot (audio)

Examples of polka dot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her look was comprised of a frothy polka dot skirt and structured blazer complete with a large floral appliqué. — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 17 Oct. 2026 Jenner opted for a black-and-white polka dot look from head-to-toe, extending the pattern even to her kitten heel pumps. — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2026 This whimsical set mixes apple designs, retro polka dots, and colorful stripes for a look that’s equal parts sweet and charming. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 16 Oct. 2026 When basics — pinstripes, polka dots, gingham and army green — inflate and explode into palatial forms, expelling feathers and brocade. — Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for polka dot

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polka dot was in 1857

Rhymes for polka dot

See All Rhymes for polka dot

Browse Nearby Words

polka
polka dot
polka mazurka
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polka dot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polka%20dot. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

polka dot

noun
pol·​ka dot ˈpō-kə- How to pronounce polka dot (audio)
: a dot in a textile pattern of evenly spaced dots

More from Merriam-Webster on polka dot

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for polka dot

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of compunction

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All