# dome

/ˈdoʊm/ (US) · /dˈəʊm/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. architectural roof

noun · CEFR B2

a rounded roof that looks like the top half of a ball.

For teachers: a structural element resembling the hollow upper half of a sphere, typically used as a roof or ceiling.

- The gold dome of the cathedral could be seen from miles away.
- The architect designed a massive glass dome to crown the atrium, allowing natural light to flood the interior of the shopping complex.

### 2. rounded cover or shape

noun · CEFR B2

any object or cover that is shaped like an upside-down bowl.

For teachers: any object or covering characterized by a convex, hemispherical shape.

- The waiter lifted the silver dome to reveal the main course.
- A protective plastic dome was placed over the delicate scientific equipment to prevent dust contamination during the construction phase.

### 3. geological formation

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a rounded hill or rock shape formed by pressure from underground.

For teachers: a rounded geological feature consisting of symmetrical anticlines that intersect at their highest point.

- The salt dome underground created a perfect trap for oil and gas.
- Geologists identified a significant granite dome that had been exposed by millions of years of wind and water erosion.

### 4. the head

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a person's head.

For teachers: a person's head, often used when referring to a bald head or a large forehead.

- He wore a warm hat to protect his bald dome from the winter cold.
- The comedian made several self-deprecating jokes about his shiny dome reflecting the stage lights.

### 5. to shape like a dome

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to make something into a rounded, ball-like shape.

For teachers: to give a hemispherical or convex shape to a surface or object.

- The heat caused the plastic to dome slightly in the center.
- The metal was carefully domed using a hydraulic press to ensure the structural integrity of the pressure vessel.

## Examples

- The golden dome of the cathedral shines in the sun.
- The architect designed a massive glass dome to allow natural light into the center of the shopping mall.
- The stadium's retractable dome allows for year-round events, protecting spectators from the harsh winter elements while maintaining an open-air atmosphere during the summer months.

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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.