Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

polka dot

/ˈpoʊ.kə ˌdɑt/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 3.14 in modern English

Syllables
polka- -dot
IPA
/ˈpoʊ.kə ˌdɑt/
15
Scrabble Score
8
Letters
3
Syllables
7
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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

verb

To cover as with polka dots.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

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.

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /ˈpoʊ.kə ˌdɑt/
  • British English: /ˈpɒl.kə ˌdɒt/

Usage

Inflected Forms

polka dots (plural) polka-dot (alternative) polkadot (alternative) polka dots (present, singular) polka dotting (participle, present) polka dotted (participle, past) polka dotted (past)

Phrases

polka-dotted

Questions

How do you pronounce polka dot?
The recorded pronunciation is /ˈpoʊ.kə ˌdɑt/.
What does polka dot mean?
Any of a number of uniform round dots, repeated to make a regular geometric pattern on a fabric.
Where does polka dot come from?
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.

How to pronounce polka dot

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “polka dot”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈpoʊ.kə ˌdɑt/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “polka dot”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “polka dot” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.