oculus

American  

[ok-yuh-luhs] / ˈɒk yə ləs /

noun

plural

oculi

1. an eye.

2. Architecture. a circular opening, especially one at the apex of a dome.

3. Archaeology. a design representing an eye, as on funerary pottery found in megalithic tombs of Europe.

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Etymology

Origin of oculus

< New Latin, Latin: eye

Example Sentences

Standing in the open-air cube that is the oculus of “sister dreamer,” most people have their gaze pointed up, seeing — what else? — themselves.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

A large open-air square, which Halsey calls an oculus, contains carvings of neighborhood landmarks, faces, signs and symbols.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

Nestled in the woods and close to Hunter’s ski slopes, they all have vaulted ceilings and an oculus for gazing up at the stars without sacrificing warmth or comfort.

From New York Times • Feb. 7, 2024

At ground level, a circular port called an oculus will allow passersby to peer into a 325,000-gallon coral canyon teeming with thousands of fish and invertebrates.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2022

I see her giving Addie the evil oculus every morning as Addie stands there, silent as dandruff and every bit as annoying.

From "The Misfits" by James Howe