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dotted line

dotted line

15 2.5
A line of short marks that shows where to sign, write, or cut
  • noun
  • /ˈdɑtɪd laɪn/
translation icon : línea punteada
  • Nothing is official until it is on the dotted line on Feb 1 or thereabouts.
  • sign on the dotted line
  • dotted line indicates
  • dotted line represents

But first sign here on the dotted line that they may grant you permission to shine.

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Examples

  • Why just sign right here on the dotted line, and you've got a deal!

    Fiction book (1992)
  • From now on, we're gonna sign on the dotted line.

  • Just sign on the dotted line, right here.

  • Show me the dotted line.

  • Sign right here on the dotted line.

  • Now, if you'll be good enough to sign on the dotted line.

  • Or, like many freelancers, do you simply sign on the dotted line and hope for the best?

    Academic text (2009)
  • No down payment necessary, easy installments, just sign on the dotted line, if you will, sir.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Dear Pilar, stop prolonging this divorce and sign on the dotted line already.

    Blog text (8)
  • Please sign on the dotted line to finalize your agreement.

Antonyms

53 2.5

Not see-through and without gaps or holes

How Continuous

line
1.0
dashed
3.4
dotted line
15 2.5

Surface Forms

dotted line singular
dotted lines plural

Morphology

dotted + line

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'dotted' (marked with dots) + 'line' (a long mark), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it denotes a line made of dots or short dashes often used on forms. This adjective+noun combination is transparent and follows common cross-linguistic patterns for describing visual properties.

Etymology

The noun dotted line comes from the simple picture of a line made of small dots on a page that shows exactly 'where to write' or 'where to sign'. That's why a dotted line on a form marks the place for your signature or for cutting.