igloo

noun

ig·​loo ˈi-(ˌ)glü 

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

• igloo 1

Examples of igloo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each night, more cars slowed down to admire the glowing igloo, and curiosity only grew as the structure neared completion. —Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026

Authorities placed hundreds of letters, teddy bears and bouquets of flowers for the fire victims beneath an igloo to protect them from snowfall. —Reuters, NBC news, 9 Jan. 2026

The warming tent, igloos, and pergolas are also available to rent for private celebrations. —Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 4 Jan. 2026

For the ultimate viewing experience, guests can book one of the two glass igloos on the observation deck for all-night views of the spectacular scenery. —Kristen E. Pope, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Inuit iglu house

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

igloo

noun

ig·​loo ˈig-lü 

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