cupola

noun

cu·​po·​la ˈkyü-pə-lə 

1

a

: a rounded vault resting on a usually circular base and forming a roof or a ceiling

b

: a small structure built on top of a roof

2

: a vertical cylindrical furnace for melting iron in the foundry that has tuyeres and tapping spouts near the bottom

3

: a raised observation post in the roof of a railroad caboose

cupolaed

ˈkyü-pə-ləd 

adjective

Examples of cupola in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The vaulted primary bedroom sports an inviting bath with a pedestal soaking tub and access to a large outdoor lava rock shower, while a cupola up top has two separate decks. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2025

One of the most enchanting is the Dome View Suite, boasting cinematic views of the villa’s landscaped gardens and Brunelleschi’s cupola in the distance. —Livia Hengel, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

The octagonal bell tower still stands, with the original school bell perched atop the cupola. —Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025

Sometimes, musicians would play live music in the gardens from the bath house’s cupola. —Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 9 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin cupula, diminutive of cupa tub

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for cupola

• azolla
• canola
• ebola
• fasciola
• granola
• victrola
• viola
• ayatollah
• variola
• bola
• cola
• colla

Kids Definition

cupola

noun

cu·​po·​la ˈkyü-pə-lə 

1

: a rounded roof or ceiling : dome

2

: a small structure built on top of a roof