onion dome

noun

: a dome (as of a church) having the general shape of an onion
onion-domed adjective

Examples of onion dome 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.
Some Russians, including Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, are pointing to that period on social media, posting photos of Russian Orthodox churches, with their onion domes, that were built in Alaska in the 19th century and still stand. Greg Myre, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025 Known for its distinctive golden onion domes it was built in memory of the Russian Czar’s mother, Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 These shapes gave me reason for the interiors; the onion dome became the dorm room, the arches became the library. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 23 Nov. 2024 Thinking particularly about Islamic architecture, pointed arches came to mind as did the onion dome—though often associated with Russian Orthodox churches, this form has roots in Syria and Iran. Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for onion dome

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onion dome was in 1868

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Cite this Entry

“Onion dome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onion%20dome. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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