igloo

noun

ig·​loo ˈi-(ˌ)glü 

plural igloos

1

: a usually dome-shaped dwelling of arctic regions that is usually made of blocks of snow or ice when built for temporary purposes or of sod, wood, or stone when permanent and that is typically associated with the Indigenous Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik peoples of Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and eastern Siberia

2

: a building or structure shaped like a dome

Illustration of igloo

• igloo 1

Examples of igloo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Among its accommodations include glass igloos with views of the aurora borealis, according to its website. —John Tufts, IndyStar, 8 Dec. 2025

For something more low-key—but just as festive—the eighth-floor rooftop at Juniper offers private heated igloos for cozy drinks under the stars. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2025

Groups of families and friends can rent out igloos with fire pits, s’mores, charcuterie, wine and family dinners. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Nov. 2025

Sustainable shelter solution While inspired by the traditional Arctic igloo, MyGlu, a portmanteau of the words mycelium and igloo, is designed for hot and dry climates where conventional building materials may be too expensive or unavailable. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Inuit iglu house

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

igloo

noun

ig·​loo ˈig-lü 

plural igloos

: an Inuit house usually made of wood, sod, or stone when permanent or of blocks of snow or ice in the form of a dome when built for temporary use