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.
The star wore a black-and-white polka dot minidress by La Roxx, sheer tights, black pumps and black sunglasses, giving photographers a good look at her engagement ring by holding her hand up to show off her large oval diamond. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 Fashion trends move fast — past examples include polka dots and babydoll dresses followed by leg warmers and Y2K styles. — Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 The 2000s look typically paired these bright palettes with bold prints like polka dots, stripes, and paisleys. — Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026 Yayoi Kusama, the Japanese artist known for her hypnotic, repetitive polka dot artworks, died earlier this week at the age of 97. — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 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 7 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gist

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

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

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

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
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
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All