Word
cupola
Phoneticscupo·la
US/kəˈpoʊɫə/
UK/kjuːpˈəʊlɐ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small, rounded structure that sits on top of a larger roof or building. It often looks like a tiny dome and can be used to let in light or air.
n. a small, dome-like structure on top of a roof or turret, often serving as a belfry, lantern, or observatory. In architectural contexts, it provides a decorative finish or functional ventilation to a larger dome or roof.
Examples
“The old courthouse has a beautiful white cupola on its roof.”
“Architects added a glass cupola to the library roof to allow natural light to flood the central reading room.”
“The cathedral's silhouette is defined by a grand central dome, which is itself surmounted by an elegant cupola that houses the heavy bronze bells.”
Examples
simple
“The old courthouse has a beautiful white cupola on its roof.”
contextual
“Architects added a glass cupola to the library roof to allow natural light to flood the central reading room.”
complex
“The cathedral's silhouette is defined by a grand central dome, which is itself surmounted by an elegant cupola that houses the heavy bronze bells.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “cupola” in context.
Verb
01. construct cupola
“Architects decided to construct a cupola to improve the building's ventilation.”
verb + noun
02. cupola collapses
“The wooden cupola collapsed during the storm after years of neglect.”
noun + verb
03. cupola crowns
“A magnificent copper cupola crowns the summit of the state capitol building.”
noun + verb
04. restore cupola
“The historical society raised funds to restore the aging cupola on the courthouse.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. central cupola
“The central cupola of the cathedral provides a stunning view of the city skyline.”
adj + noun
06. octagonal cupola
“An octagonal cupola sits atop the roof, allowing light to flood the interior.”
adj + noun
07. ornate cupola
“The building is topped with an ornate cupola decorated with gold leaf.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. base of cupola
“Windows were installed at the base of the cupola to illuminate the hall below.”
noun + prep + noun
09. light from the cupola
“Natural light from the cupola brightens the entire central staircase.”
10. topped with a cupola
“The Victorian mansion is topped with a cupola that serves as an observation deck.”
Usage
Commonly used in architectural descriptions; also appears in technical anatomical and geological contexts to describe dome-shaped structures.
Real-World Examples
“Eight snarling copper gargoyles ringed a cupola — called the Observatory — on the building’s rooftop.” “The new cupola, a rounded vault-type structure, has been raised 60ft (20m) above the pavement and placed on to the roof.” “Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have opened the shutters on the seven Cupola windows this morning, providing them with the first view of Earth from their new observation deck.” “The Crew Dragon capsule that the Inspiration4 crew is traveling in has one, and it’s a special cupola, 46 inches in diameter and 18 inches high.” Etymology
Borrowed from the Italian cupola, the term traces its lineage to the Latin cūpula, meaning a little tub. This is a diminutive of the Latin cūpa or cuppa, a cup, so named for the structure's resemblance to a drinking vessel turned upside down. The shift from the winery to the rooftop was a matter of visual geometry, preserving the image of the vessel while discarding its capacity for liquid.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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