Dictionary.com

domino

1
[ dom-uh-noh ]
/ ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /
Save This Word!

noun, plural dom·i·noes.
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.
dominoes, (used with a singular verb) 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.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of domino

1
First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps special use of domino2

Other definitions for domino (2 of 3)

domino2
[ dom-uh-noh ]
/ ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /

noun, plural dom·i·noes, dom·i·nos.
a large, hooded cloak with a mask covering the eyes, worn at masquerades.
the mask.
a person wearing such dress.

Origin of domino

2
1710–20; <Italian: hood and mask costume <Medieval Latin or Middle French: black hood worn by priests in winter; obscurely akin to Latin dominus lord

Other definitions for domino (3 of 3)

Domino
[ dom-uh-noh ]
/ ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /

noun
Antoine "Fats", 1928–2017, U.S. rhythm-and-blues pianist, singer, and composer.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use domino in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for domino (1 of 3)

domino1
/ (ˈdɒmɪˌnəʊ) /

noun plural -noes
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
(modifier) exhibiting the domino effecta domino pattern of takeovers
See also dominoes

Word Origin for domino

C19: from French, from Italian, perhaps from domino! master, said by the winner

British Dictionary definitions for domino (2 of 3)

domino2
/ (ˈdɒmɪˌnəʊ) /

noun plural -noes or -nos
a large hooded cloak worn with an eye mask at a masquerade
the eye mask worn with such a cloak

Word Origin for domino

C18: from French or Italian, probably from Latin dominus lord, master

British Dictionary definitions for domino (3 of 3)

Domino
/ (ˈdɒmɪnəʊ) /

noun
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)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK