# dom

/ˈdɑm/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dom
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. Document Object Model

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

Stands for Document Object Model. It is a way for computers to understand and change the structure of a website.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Document Object Model. A programming interface for web documents that represents the page so that programs can change the document structure, style, and content.

- The developer used the DOM to make the button change colour when clicked.
- Efficient manipulation of the DOM is crucial for maintaining high performance in complex single-page applications.

Usage: Usually written in all caps as DOM.

### 2. a title for monks or nobility

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal · Archaic

a title used for some Roman Catholic monks or for royalty in Portugal and Brazil.

For teachers: A title of respect prefixed to the names of certain Roman Catholic prelates and Benedictine or Carthusian monks; also used historically for Portuguese and Brazilian royalty.

- The history book mentioned Dom Pedro, the first emperor of Brazil.
- Dom Pérignon was a French Benedictine monk who made important contributions to the production and quality of champagne.

Usage: Used as a prefix before a first name.

### 3. dominant partner

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang

the person who takes the leading or controlling role in a specific type of sexual relationship.

For teachers: The dominant partner in a BDSM relationship or encounter.

- They have a clear agreement about who is the Dom in their relationship.
- The community provides resources for those exploring the dynamics between a Dom and their submissive partner.

Usage: Often paired with 'sub' as 'Dom and sub'.

### 4. to dominate

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

to take a controlling or leading role over someone else.

For teachers: To act as the dominant partner in a relationship or specific interaction.

- He wanted to find someone who would dom him during their dates.
- The discussion focused on the importance of consent before one partner agrees to dom another in a roleplay scenario.

Usage: Often used in online or niche social contexts.

## Examples

- They discussed their roles as dom and sub before starting.
- In certain social subcultures, a dom is expected to set the rules and boundaries for the group's activities.
- The novel explores the psychological dynamics between a dom and their partner, focusing on the trust required to maintain such a structured power imbalance.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.