domino

noun

dom·​i·​no ˈdä-mə-ˌnō 

plural dominoes or dominos

1

a

: a flat rectangular block (as of wood or plastic) whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear usually from one to six dots arranged as on dice faces

b

dominoes or dominos plural in form but usually singular in construction : any of several games played with a set of usually 28 dominoes

2

a(1)

: a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume

(2)

: a half mask worn over the eyes with a masquerade costume

b

: a person wearing a domino

3

: a member of a group (as of nations) expected to behave in accordance with the domino theory

Did you know?

The History of Domino

The origin of dominoes is rather obscure, and that is as true of the word as it is of the game. Both appeared in France shortly after 1750. In both English and French, domino earlier denoted a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade. It is an even earlier sense, however, that may link the garment with the playing piece. In French, domino originally referred to a cape worn by a priest over his surplice. Domino pieces were once made with ebony blacks and ivory faces, and it has been suggested that the playing piece brought to mind the priest’s black domino contrasting with the white surplice.

Examples of domino in a Sentence

Dominoes is one of my favorite games.

Recent Examples on the Web

The next domino likely to fall for the Heat could be the release of Rozier, which could create two open roster spots to fill ahead of the March 1 NBA buyout deadline. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

Alaïa’s designer making the jump to Versace also opens up yet another creative director vacancy after more than a year of a domino-effect cascade of hires and departures. —Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2026

Especially after the dominos that fell in the conference on Tuesday. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2026

Despite the seriousness of the issue, the organization is preparing for its annual Mahjong for a Mission fundraiser — an event that blends elements of dominoes and poker. —Bo Evans, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, probably from Latin (in the ritual formula benedicamus Domino let us bless the Lord)

First Known Use

circa 1694, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(1)

Phrases Containing domino

• domino effect
• domino theory

Rhymes for domino

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

domino

noun

dom·​i·​no ˈdäm-ə-ˌnō 

plural dominoes or dominos

1

: a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume

2

a

: a flat rectangular block whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear dots

b

plural : any of several games played with dominoes