domino

¹ American  

[dom-uh-noh] / ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /

noun

plural

dominoes

1. a flat, thumbsized, rectangular block, the face of which is divided into two parts, each either blank or bearing from one to six pips or dots: 28 such pieces form a complete set.

2. (used with a singular verb) dominoes, any of various games played with such pieces, usually by matching the ends of pieces and laying the dominoes down in lines and angular patterns.

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domino ² American  

[dom-uh-noh] / ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /

noun

plural

dominoes, dominos

1. a large, hooded cloak with a mask covering the eyes, worn at masquerades.

2. the mask.

3. a person wearing such dress.

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Domino ³ American  

[dom-uh-noh] / ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /

noun

1. Antoine Fats, 1928–2017, U.S. rhythm-and-blues pianist, singer, and composer.

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domino ¹ British  

/ ˈdɒmɪˌnəʊ /

noun

1. a small rectangular block used in dominoes, divided on one side into two equal areas, each of which is either blank or marked with from one to six dots

2. (modifier) exhibiting the domino effect

   a domino pattern of takeovers

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domino ² British  

/ ˈdɒmɪˌnəʊ /

noun

1. a large hooded cloak worn with an eye mask at a masquerade

2. the eye mask worn with such a cloak

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Domino ³ British  

/ ˈdɒmɪnəʊ /

noun

1. Fats. real name Antoine Domino born 1928, US rhythm-and-blues and rock-and-roll pianist, singer, and songwriter. His singles include "Ain't that a Shame" (1955) and "Blueberry Hill" (1956)

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Etymology

Origin of domino¹

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps special use of domino ²

Origin of domino²

First recorded in 1710–20; from Italian: “hood and mask costume,” from Medieval Latin or Middle French: “black hood worn by priests in winter”; obscurely akin to Latin dominus “lord, master”

Example Sentences

The next pink domino to fall could be Colombia, which heads to elections in May, Egana predicts.

From Barron's

This process can be compared to falling dominos, but it is far more complex.

From Science Daily

The raid’s domino effect has raised concerns about the welfare of children in affected households.

From Los Angeles Times

As one domino falls, so may the others — those riding the crypto roller coaster are often the same ones getting action on the Sunday football slate.

From MarketWatch

Vanke, which has about $170.43 billion in assets, is set to become the latest domino to fall after the Shenzhen government abruptly reversed its position on a partial bailout of the developer.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• camouflage
• cloak
• veil