igloo

noun

ig·​loo ˈi-(ˌ)glü How to pronounce igloo (audio)
plural igloos
1
: a usually dome-shaped dwelling of arctic regions that is usually made of blocks of snow or ice when built for temporary purposes or of sod, wood, or stone when permanent and that is typically associated with the indigenous Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik peoples of Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and eastern Siberia
2
: a building or structure shaped like a dome

Illustration of igloo

Illustration of igloo
  • igloo 1

Examples of igloo 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.
Embrace the whimsy at this glass igloo hotel, where accommodations were specially designed for panoramic sky views. Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 21 Mar. 2025 One person suggested Aysha buy a heated mat and cat bed igloo. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025 Open from September through April, the 27 igloos on the property all have clear views of the sky, the better to aurora-watch. Maggie Fuller, AFAR Media, 3 Jan. 2025 Sip hot cocoa around a fire table or in an igloo at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, ice skate at one of the Valley rinks or study dinosaurs at Jurassic Winter Wonderland. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 10 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for igloo

Word History

Etymology

Inuit iglu house

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of igloo was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Igloo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/igloo. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

igloo

noun
ig·​loo ˈig-lü How to pronounce igloo (audio)
plural igloos
: an Inuit house usually made of wood, sod, or stone when permanent or of blocks of snow or ice in the form of a dome when built for temporary use

More from Merriam-Webster on igloo

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!