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 central courtyard area is topped by a netted oculus that opens the space to sunshine or rain, while offering shading from both. Stefan Ionescu may 20, New Atlas, 20 May 2026 Wait, is that Usher dancing with Tiffany Haddish in front of the oculus? Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 Both houses also have an oculus (an open-air roof) that allows heat to escape while visitors see the sky above. Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026 Three levels down, visitors can peer all the way up through the saltwater and the flotilla of fish thanks to a huge oculus — a 31-foot-wide angled porthole — at the tank’s bottom. Miami Herald, 18 Sep. 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 12 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

oculus

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

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