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

And the exterior of the building, with its classical facade and copper-toned cupola, is stunning, its style only heightened as the city and its buildings have changed around it. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 22 Apr. 2025

Renderings have shown brick streets, new cupolas, towers and pedestrian walkways for added retail. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025

Inside, it’s outfitted with a queen Murphy bed, a large lower bunk, and a kids’ cupola bunk. —Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 15 May 2025

For many whose childhood summers revolved around trips to the beach on Plum Island, passing by the Pink House and its rooftop cupola signaled their arrival in a beloved place. —Jenna Russell, New York Times, 1 Mar. 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