rotunda

noun ro·tun·da \ rō-ˈtən-də \

Definition of rotunda

1 :a round building; especially :one covered by a dome

2 a :a large round room

b :a large central area (as in a hotel)

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Examples of rotunda in a Sentence

We stood inside the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Recent Examples of rotunda from the Web

CNN aired live video of a sea of candlelight unfolded across the campus as the crowd headed to the school's rotunda and the statue of the school's founder Thomas Jefferson where days before white nationalists and counter protesters clashed.

— chicagotribune.com, "Hundreds carry lit candles across University of Virginia campus against white nationalism," 16 Aug. 2017
A vintage framed picture of the Capitol rotunda hangs illuminated on the wall, flanked by two Idaho Senate plaques.

— bruce whiting, idahostatesman, "Capitol Cellars plans party for new patio," 10 Aug. 2017
But the legislation was so controversial that protesters turned out en masse even on the last day of the regular session, loudly chanting in the rotunda and crowding into the House gallery.

— anna m. tinsley, star-telegram, "Fort Worth leaders to weigh in on controversial ‘sanctuary cities’ law," 18 July 2017
The Everyday Gardener Jackson, MS Sunshine streaming through a window rotunda lights up the interior of this 1940s gas station turned garden-and-gift shop in the historic Fondren District.

— cory bordonaro, Southern Living, "Fill 'er Up: Southern Charm at Restored Gas Stations," 11 July 2017
The exhibit is housed in the museum’s glass rotunda, with a giant mural based on 69 drawings of a forest scene, complete with flora and fauna.

— jennifer billock, Smithsonian, "Five Augmented Reality Experiences That Bring Museum Exhibits to Life," 30 June 2017
Corman said of the lawmakers who had gathered on the steps inside the Capitol rotunda for the event.

— logan hullinger, Philly.com, "Gov. Wolf signs pension reform bill," 12 June 2017
Inside, the home has been thoughtfully renovated and features custom details throughout including a dramatic, two-story rotunda entrance.

— joey morona, cleveland.com, "Huntington Beach home has stunning lake views for $1.425M: House of the Week," 9 June 2017
The City Hall rotunda had circles of tables, all with cardboard posters labeled with topics such as bullying, pollution and immigration.

— darryl cereno, The Mercury News, "Grade school students explain global events at San Jose City Hall rotunda," 8 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rotunda.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of rotunda

Italian rotonda, from Latin rotunda, feminine of rotundus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1566

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ROTUNDA Defined for English Language Learners

rotunda

noun

Definition of rotunda for English Language Learners

: a large, round room and especially one covered by a dome

Medical Dictionary

rotunda

medical Definition of rotunda

— see fenestra rotunda

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rotunda

Definition of rotunda

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Origin and Etymology of rotunda

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rotunda

Definition of rotunda for English Language Learners

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rotunda

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