Dot
/dɒt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA small, usually circular mark or spot.
/dɒt/
A small, round mark.
The artist used dots to create a pointillist painting.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing connect-the-dots. A dot is like one of those little circles you connect to make a picture. Like when you put a little bit of paint on the paper.
👶 For kids: A tiny, tiny circle.
More Examples
I put a red dot on the map to mark our destination.
Can you see the tiny dot on the horizon?
How It's Used
"She connected the dots to understand the pattern."
"The map uses colored dots to represent cities."
To mark or cover with dots.
/dɒt/
To mark with a dot or dots.
She dotted the fabric with sequins.
💡 Simply: To add little spots or marks onto something. Think of putting chocolate chips on cookies—you're dotting them!
👶 For kids: To put a little mark.
More Examples
He dotted the i's in his handwriting.
The chef dotted the plate with a balsamic glaze.
How It's Used
"He dotted the canvas with vibrant colors."
"Dot the casserole with butter before baking."
Idioms & expressions
connect the dots
To understand the relationship between several pieces of information, or to find meaning in a seemingly random collection of facts.
"After reviewing the evidence, I was finally able to connect the dots and see who was responsible for the crime."
on the dot
Exactly on time; precisely.
"The train arrived on the dot at 8:00 AM."
From Middle English dotte, from Middle Dutch dotte ('knob, point, spot'), of uncertain origin.
Historically, the word 'dot' has been used to describe small, round marks in writing, maps, and other visual representations.
Memory tip
Think of the period at the end of a sentence - a small dot!
Word Origin
"knob, point, spot"