Meaning & use
polka dots
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Meanings
nounplural
A pattern of many small round spots of the same size, usually printed on cloth.
Grammar: Plural noun; use a plural verb: polka dots are popular.
Patterns
- in polka dots
- polka dots on something
- a polka-dot shirt
She wore a red dress with white polka dots.
The wrapping paper is covered in black polka dots.
Polka dots were everywhere in the 1950s.
nouncountable
One of the small round spots that make up this pattern.
Grammar: Countable when you mean a single spot: one dot, two dots.
Patterns
- a polka dot
- covered in polka dots
A single polka dot was printed in the middle of the scarf.
The fabric has tiny navy polka dots.
Word forms
| singular | polka dot |
|---|
Common combinations
- a polka-dot dress
- She bought a polka-dot dress for the party.
- in polka dots
- The curtains are printed in polka dots.
- black and white polka dots
- He chose a tie with black and white polka dots.
- covered in polka dots
- The child's notebook was covered in polka dots.
Synonyms and how they differ
- spots
- The general British word for the same idea; polka dots is more specific and suggests an even, repeated pattern.
- dots
- A neutral word for small round marks; polka dots always means a regular decorative pattern.
Opposites
Word family
- polka-dotted adjective
- Having a pattern of small round spots.
Commonly confused: polka dots or polka?
polka dots vs polka
Polka is a fast Czech dance and its music; polka dots are the spotted pattern, which took the name from the dance.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'polka dots' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Polka dots' is a plural noun, so it follows 'in' without an article. Option 2 uses the singular form, option 3 wrongly adds 'a', and option 4 uses a made-up form instead of the noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “polka dots”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.