oculus

noun

oc·​u·​lus ˈä-kyə-ləs How to pronounce oculus (audio)
plural oculi ˈä-kyə-ˌlī How to pronounce oculus (audio)
-ˌlē
1
: a circular or oval window
2
: a circular opening at the top of a dome

Examples of oculus 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.
The oculus at Intuit Dome as the Clippers tip off against the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 23. Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024 Our favorite was the James Turrell installation set into the hillside, with an oculus that brings the sky seemingly within reach. Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Apr. 2025 The students on last week’s trip congregated at the resort’s main hotel, The Royal, where guests check in under a tall, domed oculus, and swirling $1 million glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly dangle from the casino ceiling. Dionne Searcey, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2025 The residence is fronted by a sculptural porte-cochère, and upon entering, there is a circular oculus that floods the space with natural light. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for oculus

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, eye — more at eye

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of oculus was in 1848

Cite this Entry

“Oculus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oculus. Accessed 10 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

oculus

noun
oc·​u·​lus ˈäk-yə-ləs How to pronounce oculus (audio)
plural oculi -yə-ˌlī How to pronounce oculus (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on oculus

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