noun

cupola

/ˈkjuːpələ/ · say it: KYU·puh·luh

a small dome crowning a roof

In Architecture & Design

In more detail

1. (noun) a small tower or dome on the roof of a building

2. (noun) a rounded vault or ceiling shaped like a dome

Examples

1. The cupola on top of the old courthouse was a distinctive landmark in the town.
2. The artist painted frescoes on the cupola of the church.

How to use cupola

Cupola refers to a small dome or tower-like structure crowning a building, typically serving decorative or functional purposes like ventilation or light. It is more specific and architectural than the general term dome, and more common in formal architectural description than in everyday speech. The term is used in both historical and contemporary architectural contexts.

Common phrases

small cupola
domed cupola
roof cupola
cupola roof
copper cupola
cupola tower

Synonyms

dome · turret · tower · belvedere · lantern

Word family

cupolar (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse cupola with the larger dome of a major building (like St. Peter's Basilica), though cupolas are distinctly smaller ornamental or functional structures on roofs.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD