domino

noun

dom·​i·​no ˈdä-mə-ˌnō 

plural dominoes or dominos

1

a

: a flat rectangular block (as of wood or plastic) whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear usually from one to six dots arranged as on dice faces

b

dominoes or dominos plural in form but usually singular in construction : any of several games played with a set of usually 28 dominoes

2

a(1)

: a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume

(2)

: a half mask worn over the eyes with a masquerade costume

b

: a person wearing a domino

3

: a member of a group (as of nations) expected to behave in accordance with the domino theory

Did you know?

The History of Domino

The origin of dominoes is rather obscure, and that is as true of the word as it is of the game. Both appeared in France shortly after 1750. In both English and French, domino earlier denoted a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade. It is an even earlier sense, however, that may link the garment with the playing piece. In French, domino originally referred to a cape worn by a priest over his surplice. Domino pieces were once made with ebony blacks and ivory faces, and it has been suggested that the playing piece brought to mind the priest’s black domino contrasting with the white surplice.

Examples of domino in a Sentence

Dominoes is one of my favorite games.

Recent Examples on the Web

The first domino of the NBA’s annual trade season fell Wednesday night when the Hawks reportedly traded Young to the Washington Wizards in exchange for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert. —Mike Curtis, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026

That extra dot—also called a pellet or domino—is what makes the coin so rare and could even double its value at auction. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026

Regardless, Nebraska will have to mobilize quickly to attract a quality passer as soon as possible, as the quarterback dominoes continue to fall. —Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Thomas was one of the first dominoes. —Kansas City Star, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, probably from Latin (in the ritual formula benedicamus Domino let us bless the Lord)

First Known Use

circa 1694, in the meaning defined at sense 2a(1)

Phrases Containing domino

• domino effect
• domino theory

Rhymes for domino

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

domino

noun

dom·​i·​no ˈdäm-ə-ˌnō 

plural dominoes or dominos

1

: a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume

2

a

: a flat rectangular block whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear dots

b

plural : any of several games played with dominoes