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

The ship is the 138-passenger, polar-class National Geographic Resolution—with the fun option of catching views while camping in the lush bed of a glass igloo on deck. —Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 7 Aug. 2025

Restaurants pivoted to increase outdoor spaces — even in the winter, setting up heated igloo spaces. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 3 July 2025

Enjoy entertainment, fire performers, ice sculptures, igloo rentals, ice bars and fire pits. —Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

Popular igloos are back at riverfront restaurant, bringing dining outside. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 21 June 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