cupola

noun cu·po·la \ ˈkyü-pə-lə \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of cupola

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

play \ˈkyü-pə-ləd\ adjective

See cupola defined for English-language learners

See cupola defined for kids

Recent Examples of cupola from the Web

His copper roof and cupola have been faithfully reproduced, but improved to avoid ice dams.

— cate mcquaid, BostonGlobe.com, "A New Hampshire art museum faces the future," 10 May 2018
Located in the southeastern corner of the property next to Camino Del Mar, the Town Hall is topped by a cupola that is the highest point of the low-slung structure.

— phil diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "After almost 60 years, a new civic center for Del Mar," 28 May 2018
The two rail cars have loft beds in the cupolas, and sleep five.

— larry bleiberg, USA TODAY, "Glamping USA: Stay in a Hobbit hut, a covered wagon or a caboose," 25 May 2018
As firefighters arrived on the scene, flames could be seen shooting from the roof and adjacent cupola and spires.

— annysa johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Fire engulfs historic Milwaukee church, sending black smoke billowing over downtown," 15 May 2018
Architects had hoped to use the cupola from the original Moser School, but could not.

— kathleen mcwilliams, Courant Community, "Flexibility, History: Architects Unveil Plans For Rocky Hill Intermediate School," 3 May 2018
The home remains mostly intact from when the Kennedys lived there, and reportedly boasts spectacular views of the Potomac from its cupola.

— devin alessio, ELLE Decor, "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' Former Georgetown House Is For Sale," 6 June 2016
The Holy Ascension Restoration Committee was founded in 1991 to fix the deteriorating roofs of the church's cupolas, which were in danger of toppling at the time.

— author: jim paulin, Anchorage Daily News, "To help fund fire protection for iconic Unalaska church, congregation considers starting AirBnB on church grounds," 30 Apr. 2018
The rooftop of Casa Vicens features a small cupola which crowns a tower on the western corner of the facade as well as a similar structure that act as caps to the house’s chimneys.

— mayra cruz, Houston Chronicle, "Tomball ISD considers proposals to design, build new $51.2 million stadium," 7 Apr. 2018

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1549

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

Other Railroad Terms

cowcatcher, gauge, vestibule, yard

CUPOLA Defined for English Language Learners

cupola

noun

Definition of cupola for English Language Learners

: a rounded roof or part of a roof
: a small structure that is built on top of a roof

CUPOLA Defined for Kids

cupola

noun cu·po·la \ ˈkyü-pə-lə \

Definition of cupola for Students

1 : a small structure built on top of a roof

2 : a rounded roof or ceiling : dome

Learn More about cupola

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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cupola

Definition of cupola

cupolaed

Recent Examples of cupola from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cupola

Other Railroad Terms

CUPOLA Defined for English Language Learners

cupola

Definition of cupola for English Language Learners

CUPOLA Defined for Kids

cupola

Definition of cupola for Students

Learn More about cupola

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cupola

Definition of cupola

cupolaed

Recent Examples of cupola from the Web

Origin and Etymology of cupola

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CUPOLA Defined for English Language Learners

cupola

Definition of cupola for English Language Learners

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