Definition

1. Noun:

   • A very small round mark: A tiny, circular spot or point.
   • A symbol or character: Specifically, the small mark over the letters 'i' and 'j' in writing, or the period in punctuation.
   • A signal in Morse code: The shorter of the two signals used in Morse code, represented by a short sound or flash.
   • A small amount or a tiny object: Something very small in size or quantity.

2. Verb:

   • To mark with a dot: To place a small round mark on something.
   • To be scattered over an area: To appear as small, scattered points across a surface.

Examples

• Noun:

  • She added a green dot to the painting.
  • Don't forget to put the dot on the letter 'i'.
  • The Morse code for 'A' is dot-dash.

• Verb:

  • Please dot the 'i's and cross the 't's.
  • Stars dot the night sky.

Advanced Usage

• "on the dot": Exactly at a specified time; punctually.

  • The meeting started at 9:00 on the dot.

• "to dot the i's and cross the t's": To pay great attention to detail; to be thorough and precise.

  • Before submitting the report, we need to dot the i's and cross the t's.

Variants and Related Words

• Dotted (adj.): Marked with dots.

  • Sign your name on the dotted line.

• Dotty (adj., informal): Eccentric or slightly crazy.

  • He has some dotty ideas about gardening.

Synonyms

• Speck: A tiny spot.
• Point: A small, distinct mark.
• Spot: A small, round mark.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(The word 'dot' is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

• A dot on the horizon: Something very small and distant.
  • The ship was just a dot on the horizon.

Noun

1. street name for lysergic acid diethylamide
2. the shorter of the two telegraphic signals used in Morse code
3. the United States federal department that institutes and coordinates national transportation programs; created in 1966
4. a very small circular shape
   • a row of points
   • draw lines between the dots

Verb

1. mark with a dot
   • dot your `i's
2. make a dot or dots
3. distribute loosely
   • He scattered gun powder under the wagon
4. scatter or intersperse like dots or studs
   • Hills constellated with lights