cupola

noun

cu·​po·​la ˈkyü-pə-lə 

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 

adjective

Examples of cupola in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This configuration would allow further upgrades by adding such parts as a robotic arm, a large viewing area modeled after the ISS cupola, and extra modules from international partners. —Rob Pegoraro, PCMAG, 13 Oct. 2024

In the space station, Bowen would often float his way to the seven-window cupola—the observation module—and gaze at the planet below. —Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 11 Oct. 2024

Walk outside onto the cupola to see up to 20 miles in any direction. —Jamie Siebrase, The Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2024

Printemps is celebrating the jacket with a new exhibition taking place under the stained glass cupola of its flagship on Boulevard Haussmann in Paris. —Joelle Diderich, WWD, 9 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin cupula, diminutive of cupa tub

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

cupola

noun

cu·​po·​la ˈkyü-pə-lə 

1

: a rounded roof or ceiling : dome

2

: a small structure built on top of a roof