# dotted

/ˈdɑtəd/ (US) · /dˈɒtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dotted
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. made of dots

adjective · CEFR B1

made of a series of small spots or points instead of a solid line.

For teachers: composed of or marked by a series of small, discrete points rather than a continuous line.

- Please sign your name on the dotted line at the bottom of the page.
- The architect used a dotted line to indicate the position of the original walls that had been demolished during the renovation.

### 2. scattered across

adjective · CEFR B2

having many things spread or scattered all over an area.

For teachers: covered or sprinkled with objects scattered irregularly across a surface or region.

- The blue sky was dotted with small white clouds.
- The hillside was dotted with ancient olive trees, their silver leaves shimmering in the late afternoon sun.

### 3. musical duration

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

a note that is held for longer because it has a small dot next to it.

For teachers: referring to a note followed by a dot that increases its rhythmic value by half.

- The piece begins with a dotted rhythm that sounds like a march.
- The conductor reminded the woodwinds to give the dotted crotchet its full value to maintain the syncopated feel of the movement.

## Examples

- She wore a white dress with black dots.
- The map was dotted with red pins showing every restaurant we visited.
- The coastline was dotted with small fishing villages that seemed to appear only when the morning fog lifted.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.