Definition of cupola
1a : a rounded vault resting on a usually circular base and forming a roof or a ceilingb : 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
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Recent Examples of cupola from the Web
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Basilica del Pilar, topped with brightly colored cupolas, is a cathedral featuring ceiling paintings by Goya.
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His paintings of Fourth Street, in the collection of the Cincinnati Museum Center, portray an unrecognizable city of Greek columns and cupolas mingling with bland, featureless buildings, no structure higher than three stories.
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A rooftop canopy shades the east facade and crowns the building as a modern interpretation of the traditional, 19th century courthouse top — a dome, cupola or clock tower.
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The cupola atop the Presbytere was blown completely off the building.
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There were the presenting of the sparkling Woodlawn Vase and flowers to the winning racing team, and the painting of the Preakness weathervane atop the cupola in the colors of the winning horse and jockey.
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One such lore is the painting of the weather vane -- a miniature horse and rider -- on the Old Clubhouse cupola with the colors of the winning team for a year.
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And within the cupola that tops the building, there’s a third level of outdoor revelry available for extra views as well as private parties.
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And the chunks of slow-cooked lamb snuggled against a golden cupola of rice.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cupola'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of cupola
Italian, from Latin cupula, diminutive of cupa tub
Other Railroad Terms
CUPOLA Defined for English Language Learners
cupola
playDefinition of cupola for English Language Learners
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: a rounded roof or part of a roof
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: a small structure that is built on top of a roof
CUPOLA Defined for Kids
Learn More about cupola
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Spanish Central: Translation of cupola Nglish: Translation of cupola for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of cupola for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cupola
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