rotunda

noun

ro·​tun·​da rō-ˈtən-də How to pronounce rotunda (audio)
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)

Examples of rotunda in a Sentence

We stood inside the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol Building.
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.
Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester on Thursday opened a memorial exhibit honoring Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated earlier this month, on the second floor rotunda in the state Capitol building. Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2025 Swarms of people, including union workers, activists and residents, held one of the largest rallies inside the Capitol rotunda in recent years. Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025 National Museum of Natural History As visitors walk into the rotunda of the Museum of Natural History, right off the National Mall, they’re greeted by an 11-ton taxidermized African Bush elephant, affectionately nicknamed Henry. Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 Its grand rotunda, soaring catwalks, and vibrant nightlife have transformed the notorious Charles Street Jail into a must-visit hotspot equal parts historic and hip. Todd Plummer, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rotunda

Word History

Etymology

Italian rotonda, from Latin rotunda, feminine of rotundus

First Known Use

circa 1566, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rotunda was circa 1566

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Cite this Entry

“Rotunda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rotunda. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

rotunda

noun
ro·​tun·​da rō-ˈtən-də How to pronounce rotunda (audio)
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)

Medical Definition

rotunda

More from Merriam-Webster on rotunda

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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