A polka dot is a pattern of round spots repeated evenly across fabric, paper, or other surfaces. The spots are usually all the same size and spread out in a regular arrangement, like when you use a pencil eraser dipped in paint to stamp circles all over a piece of paper.

The pattern shows up everywhere: on dresses, wrapping paper, ties, tablecloths, and even painted on walls. Polka dot patterns can feel playful and cheerful, or classic and elegant, depending on the colors and size of the dots. Small dots close together create one effect, while big dots spaced far apart create another.

When you describe something as polka-dotted, you're saying it has this spotted pattern. A polka dot dress might have white dots on a blue background, or red dots on yellow, or any combination you can imagine.