What is "polka dot"

1874, from polka (n.) + dot (n.). Named for the dance, for no reason except its popularity, which led to many contemporary products and fashions taking the name. Related: Polka-dotted (1873).

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

n. design consisting of a pattern of regularly spaced circular spots

Polka dot is a pattern consisting of an array of filled, large in size, circles. It differentiates itself from the spot pattern, as Polka dots are perfectly even and sized, while spots are irregular in spacing and shape. Early instances were generally equally sized and spaced relatively closely in relation to their diameters and there is speculation that they were originally conceived to cover moth holes in women's wool dresses. Many modern prints include more randomly spaced, sized and coloured dots. Polka dots are most commonly seen on children's clothing, toys, and furniture, but they appear in a wide array of contexts. The pattern rarely appears in formal contexts, however, and is generally confined to more playful attire such as bathing suits and lingerie. Occasionally, white-on-black small dots appear on more formal clothing.

Polka dots became common on clothing in the late nineteenth century in the United Kingdom.