igloo

noun

ig·​loo ˈi-(ˌ)glü How to pronounce igloo (audio)
plural igloos
1
: a usually dome-shaped dwelling of arctic regions that is usually made of blocks of snow or ice when built for temporary purposes or of sod, wood, or stone when permanent and that is typically associated with the indigenous Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik peoples of Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and eastern Siberia
2
: a building or structure shaped like a dome

Illustration of igloo

Illustration of igloo
  • igloo 1

Examples of igloo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sustainable shelter solution While inspired by the traditional Arctic igloo, MyGlu, a portmanteau of the words mycelium and igloo, is designed for hot and dry climates where conventional building materials may be too expensive or unavailable. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 Oct. 2025 Also, imagine things like fashion shows or volleyball matches, or in the wintertime, maybe some of those igloos and other things. Duante Beddingfield, Freep.com, 2 Oct. 2025 The pub will be located in an igloo on-site, where attendees age 21 and up can grab a drink and chill by a firepit or play an outdoor game. Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025 Birdsong plays in the background and actual igloos abound. Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for igloo

Word History

Etymology

Inuit iglu house

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of igloo was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Igloo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/igloo. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

igloo

noun
ig·​loo ˈig-lü How to pronounce igloo (audio)
plural igloos
: an Inuit house usually made of wood, sod, or stone when permanent or of blocks of snow or ice in the form of a dome when built for temporary use

More from Merriam-Webster on igloo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!