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

However, the culinary highlight is the hotel's rooftop bar and al fresco dining space, made magical with the view of the coral-colored cupola of the cathedral at sunset. —Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

The octagonal bell tower still stands, with the original school bell perched atop the cupola. —Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2025

Sometimes, musicians would play live music in the gardens from the bath house’s cupola. —Brittany Anas, Denver Post, 9 July 2025

Alongside Chun, Mikkelsen put her filmmaking expertise to use by shooting video from Dragon's cupola. —ArsTechnica, 22 Apr. 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