domino

noun

dom·​i·​no ˈdä-mə-ˌnō How to pronounce domino (audio)
plural dominoes or dominos
1
a(1)
: a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume
(2)
: a half mask worn over the eyes with a masquerade costume
b
: a person wearing a domino
2
a
: a flat rectangular block (as of wood or plastic) whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear usually from one to six dots arranged as on dice faces
b
dominoes or dominos plural in form but usually singular in construction : any of several games played with a set of usually 28 dominoes
3
: a member of a group (as of nations) expected to behave in accordance with the domino theory

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The History of Domino

The origin of dominoes is rather obscure, and that is as true of the word as it is of the game. Both appeared in France shortly after 1750. In both English and French, domino earlier denoted a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade. It is an even earlier sense, however, that may link the garment with the playing piece. In French, domino originally referred to a cape worn by a priest over his surplice. Domino pieces were once made with ebony blacks and ivory faces, and it has been suggested that the playing piece brought to mind the priest’s black domino contrasting with the white surplice.

Examples of domino in a Sentence

Dominoes is one of my favorite games.
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.
That was the first domino that fell, setting everything else into motion, leaving the mess that this season has been. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 22 May 2025 An 81-year-old distant relative in poor health who lives with her was sitting nearby at the kitchen table when Marie spotted trees toppling down the mountain like dominoes. Jennifer Berry Hawes, ProPublica, 19 May 2025 In a video obtained by the Daily News, a group of people can be seen gathered around an electrical transformer on the sidewalk playing dominoes when the gunmen appear and open fire, sending the crowd scrambling for cover. Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 17 May 2025 It should also be noted that all crowdfunding campaigns always carry an element of risk, but should all the dominoes fall in the right order, Kosmos reckons that shipping could start as early as July. New Atlas, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for domino

Word History

Etymology

French, probably from Latin (in the ritual formula benedicamus Domino let us bless the Lord)

First Known Use

circa 1694, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of domino was circa 1694

Cite this Entry

“Domino.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domino. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

domino

noun
dom·​i·​no ˈdäm-ə-ˌnō How to pronounce domino (audio)
plural dominoes or dominos
1
: a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume
2
a
: a flat rectangular block whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear dots
b
plural : any of several games played with dominoes

More from Merriam-Webster on domino

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