cupola

noun

cu·​po·​la ˈkyü-pə-lə How to pronounce cupola (audio)
1
a
: a rounded vault resting on a usually circular base and forming a roof or a ceiling
b
: a small structure built on top of a roof
2
: a vertical cylindrical furnace for melting iron in the foundry that has tuyeres and tapping spouts near the bottom
3
: a raised observation post in the roof of a railroad caboose
cupolaed
ˈkyü-pə-ləd How to pronounce cupola (audio)
adjective

Examples of cupola 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 old manor house with its cupola and walls of masonry two feet thick was charming. — Tim Corlett, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2026 Inside, the front door opens to a tall foyer and a grand staircase, with marble floors and a cupola above. — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026 Clark grew up in Fayetteville and her mother attended the high school, making the cupola even more meaningful. — Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 3 May 2026 The top-floor suites come with expansive terraces and knockout views across Rome’s domes and cupolas – the kind of panorama that turns a sunset into a private show. — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cupola

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin cupula, diminutive of cupa tub

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cupola was in 1549

Rhymes for cupola

See All Rhymes for cupola

Browse Nearby Words

cup of tea
cupola
cupolated
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Cite this Entry

“Cupola.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cupola. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cupola

noun
cu·​po·​la ˈkyü-pə-lə How to pronounce cupola (audio)
1
: a rounded roof or ceiling : dome
2
: a small structure built on top of a roof

More from Merriam-Webster on cupola

Nglish: Translation of cupola for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cupola

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