dotted

American  

[dot-id] / ˈdɒt ɪd /

adjective

1. marked with a dot or dots.

2. consisting or constructed of dots.

3. having objects scattered or placed in a random manner.

   a landscape dotted with small houses.

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dotted British  

/ ˈdɒtɪd /

adjective

1. having dots, esp having a pattern of dots

2. music

   1. (of a note) increased to one and a half times its original time value See dot 1

   2. (of a musical rhythm) characterized by dotted notes Compare double-dotted See also notes inégales

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Other Word Forms

• undotted adjective

Etymology

Origin of dotted

First recorded in 1765–75; dot ¹ + -ed ³

Example Sentences

Refugees or illegal migrants crossing the river into Greece enter a heavily militarised restricted zone, dotted with watchtowers.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

From the early days of the republic to the Vietnam War, America’s past is dotted with instances when people skipped taxes to object to bigger issues, she said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

It’s just making sure our i’s are dotted and our t’s are crossed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

While rare earths will be the primary focus, exploration will also assess the potential for gold mining — the area is dotted with old, small-scale adits and shafts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Headstones dotted the green grass ahead of us.

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles