Dot Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɒt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A small round mark or spot, especially one used to indicate a musical note or a point in music.

Examples

• The conductor used a dot above the note to indicate a slight hesitation.
• The artist painted a tiny dot on the canvas to create a sense of texture.

Synonyms

• Point
• Mark
• Spot

Antonyms

• Line
• Stroke

Additional Information

Dots can be used to create shapes, patterns, and designs in various forms of art and design. In music, dots are used to indicate different styles or genres of music. In everyday language, dots are often used to denote a pause or a break in conversation.

Etymology

The word “dot” has its roots in Old English and Dutch, where it was used to refer to a small mark or spot.

Usage Notes

Dots can be used in both literal and figurative contexts. In music, for example, a dot above a note can indicate a slight pause or hesitation. In art, dots can be used to create texture and pattern.

Cultural References

Dots have appeared in various forms of popular culture, including music, film, and literature. For example, the musical genre of dot music emerged in the 1960s, characterized by its use of dots and dashes to create a distinctive sound.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Dot the i’s and cross the t’s – to complete a task or finalize a decision.

Related Words or Phrases

Point, mark, spot, small, tiny, minute, minute spot

Collocations

dot a line, dot the i’s, dot a circle, dot a square

Frequency of Use

The word “dot” is commonly used in everyday language, particularly in contexts related to art, design, and music.

Common Misspellings

duit, dum, dot’s, doats