English Explanatory Dictionary

polka dot

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any of a number of uniform round dots, repeated to make a regular geometric pattern on a fabric.
verb
  1. To cover as with polka dots.

Pronunciation

/ˈpɒl.kə ˌdɒt/ /ˈpəʊ.kə ˌdɒt/ /ˈpoʊ.kə ˌdɑt/

Word forms

polka dot polka dots polka-dot polkadot polka dotting polka dotted

Etymology

First use appears in the US c. 1857 in the publication Godey's Lady's Book. Named after the polka dance, which was popular at the time (1840–1890). Numerous composites were formed posteriorly, but those names have not endured.

Derived words

polka-dotted
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