cupola

noun cu·po·la \ ˈkyü-pə-lə \

Updated on: 8 Apr 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

Rooms are big and comfy, and the views from their rooftop cupola are fantastic.

— BostonGlobe.com, "A real spring break for families," 4 Apr. 2018
There is a tri-level rooftop, with indoor and outdoor space; the latter features views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, along with a 23rd floor cupola that is available for private events.

— New York Times, "In Chicago, Landmark Hotels Where the Views Are Enchanting," 2 Mar. 2018
From the side of the road, a dirt path wound down toward the canyon floor, where Dark Creek trickled weakly beneath a thick cupola of tangled branches.

— alexander nazaryan, Newsweek, "Lie and Deny: Secrecy and Suspicion Surround the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department," 21 Apr. 2016
Nielsen said the district is working to preserve certain aspects of the school, such as the school’s sign and cupola, which will be displayed in the district when a space for it is identified.

— cassie dickman, sacbee, "Sell 140-year-old school site? Roseville-area residents say no | The Sacramento Bee," 16 Mar. 2018
With light coming in from a skylight cupola, Obama delivered his speech to more than a hundred people.

— Newsweek, "Amazing Photos of Bioluminescent Phytoplankton," 14 Mar. 2018
Witkowski said facility will have a cupola on the roof between two of the trusses allowing workers to raise the scoreboard into a penthouse when it's not needed.

— suzanne baker, Naperville Sun, "New Naperville entertainment/sports complex being designed with concerts in mind," 10 Mar. 2018
From this scenic perch, Rome unfurls in a diorama of roofs, columns and cupolas.

— lee marshall, WSJ, "How to Spend an Indulgent Day in Rome for $2,000—or $400," 7 Mar. 2018
The inverted cupola is dotted with holes — allowing light to peek through and appear patterned on the ground.

— luke money, latimes.com, "Ceremony dedicates sculpture by late local artist at Costa Mesa City Hall," 3 Mar. 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

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

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

Seen and Heard

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