# polka dot

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈpɒl.kə ˌdɒt/

## Definitions
1. Any of a number of uniform round dots, repeated to make a regular geometric pattern on a fabric.

## 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.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/polka-dot