dot
Dot refers to a small round mark or spot, used in punctuation, mathematics, internet addresses, and art. It can also mean to mark with dots or to place at intervals. This versatile word appears across multiple contexts from technology to typography.
4
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
DOT is excellent for tight board spaces and parallel plays. Its common letters and multiple meanings make it a reliable, safe word that's easy to extend or build from.
A dot is fundamentally a small, round mark or spot that serves numerous purposes across different contexts. In its most basic form, it's a circular mark made by a pen, pencil, or other marking device. However, dots have evolved far beyond simple marks to become essential elements in language, mathematics, technology, and art.
In punctuation, the dot serves as a period, marking the end of sentences and creating structure in written communication. It also appears in abbreviations (Dr., etc.), decimal numbers (3.14), and as part of ellipses (...) that indicate omitted text or pauses. The dot's role in written language is so fundamental that it's often called "full stop" in British English.
Technology has given dots new significance through internet domain names (website.com), file extensions (.pdf, .jpg), and programming syntax. In mathematics, dots represent multiplication (× or •), decimal points, and vector operations. Visual arts use dots in pointillism, Aboriginal art, and modern design, while Braille uses raised dots to create a tactile writing system for the visually impaired.
As a verb, "to dot" means to mark with dots or to place at intervals across a surface. This appears in phrases like "dot the i's and cross the t's" (pay attention to details) or "dotted across the landscape." In word games, DOT is valuable for its common letters and numerous extension possibilities, making it a strategic choice for tight board positions.
The word "dot" has a fascinating etymology that reflects its simple yet universal nature. It comes from the Old English "dott," meaning a speck or small lump, which is related to the Dutch "dot" (small bundle) and possibly connected to the Germanic root meaning "to thrust" or "to strike" - reflecting the action of making a mark.
The word's development through various languages shows its evolution:
The transition from a simple mark to complex technological applications demonstrates how fundamental concepts adapt to new contexts. The dot's role in internet domains (introduced in the 1980s) and file extensions represents one of the most significant expansions of the word's meaning in modern times. Today, "dot-com" has become synonymous with internet businesses, showing how a simple punctuation mark became central to digital communication.
Words with similar meaning
Spot
Small mark or area of different color
Point
Small mark or punctuation symbol
Speck
Tiny particle or mark
Mark
Visible sign or symbol
Period
Punctuation mark (full stop)
Pixel
Smallest unit of digital display
Words with opposite meaning
Line
Extended mark, opposite of point
Dash
Horizontal line, contrasts with dot
Space
Empty area, absence of marks
Blank
Empty, unmarked surface
Continuous
Unbroken, opposite of dotted
Solid
Unbroken line or area
Verb Forms
dot, dots, dotted, dotting
The artist dotted the canvas with paint.
Adjective Forms
dotted, dotty
She wore a dotted dress.
Compound Terms
Pay attention to details
Make logical connections between facts
Exactly on time
Broken line made of dots
"Remember to dot your i's and cross your t's when filling out important documents."
"The ellipsis consists of three dots, indicating omitted text or a trailing thought."
"Each sentence ends with a dot, also known as a period or full stop in formal writing."
"The dot-com boom of the late 1990s revolutionized how businesses operated online."
"File extensions use dots to separate the name from the type, like document.pdf or image.jpg."
"Internet domain names use dots to separate different levels of the addressing hierarchy."
"The pointillist painter created the entire landscape using thousands of colored dots."
"Polka dot patterns have remained popular in fashion for over a century."
"Aboriginal art often uses dots to represent sacred sites and tell traditional stories."
Total base points: 4 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 1 | Consonants: 2
Common letters: All three letters are very frequent
Ways to build on DOT
Front hooks (add to beginning):
Back hooks (add to end):
💡 Tip: DOT has more extension possibilities than most 3-letter words!
Best ways to extend DOT:
The dot transformed from a simple punctuation mark to a cornerstone of digital communication. Domain names, file extensions, and IP addresses all rely on dots to create structure and hierarchy. The "dot-com" era made this tiny symbol synonymous with internet business and technological innovation.
Pointillism revolutionized painting by using dots of pure color instead of mixed pigments. Artists like Seurat and Signac proved that dots could create more vibrant and luminous artwork. This technique influenced modern digital displays, where pixels (picture elements) are essentially tiny dots of light.
Morse code used dots and dashes to revolutionize long-distance communication. Braille uses raised dots to create a tactile writing system that opened literacy to the visually impaired. Modern QR codes use dots (modules) to encode information that smartphones can instantly decode.
Dot vs. Period Terminology
Both terms are correct; "period" is American, "full stop" is British
Domain Name Structure
Dots separate levels: subdomain.domain.extension
Decimal Point Position
In US: 3.14, In Europe: 3,14 (comma used instead)
Word Game Extensions
Don't miss DOTE, DOTH, and front hook opportunities
SPOT
Small mark or area
POINT
Sharp end or location
MARK
Visible sign or symbol
SPECK
Tiny particle
DOTE
Show excessive affection
DOTS
Plural of dot
COT
Small bed (rhymes)
LOT
Large amount (rhymes)
POT
Cooking vessel (rhymes)
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like DOT