: a long loose hooded cloak usually worn with a half mask as a masquerade costume
(2)
: a half mask worn over the eyes with a masquerade costume
b
: a person wearing a domino
2
a
: a flat rectangular block (as of wood or plastic) whose face is divided into two equal parts that are blank or bear usually from one to six dots arranged as on dice faces
b
dominoes or dominos plural in form but usually singular in construction: any of several games played with a set of usually 28 dominoes
3
: a member of a group (as of nations) expected to behave in accordance with the domino theory
Did you know?
The History of Domino
The origin of dominoes is rather obscure, and that is as true of the word as it is of the game. Both appeared in France shortly after 1750. In both English and French, domino earlier denoted a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade. It is an even earlier sense, however, that may link the garment with the playing piece. In French, domino originally referred to a cape worn by a priest over his surplice. Domino pieces were once made with ebony blacks and ivory faces, and it has been suggested that the playing piece brought to mind the priest’s black domino contrasting with the white surplice.
Example Sentences
Dominoes is one of my favorite games.
Recent Examples on the WebThe first domino to fall in this economic cycle was a spike in prices last year. Emily Wright, Washington Post, 28 July 2022 Turns out, the first domino to fall was the man responsible for devising the schemes and setting the rotations. Eric Walden, The Salt Lake Tribune, 5 June 2022 That blockbuster move signaled Utah was eyeing a total rebuild, meaning that Mitchell was likely the next domino to fall.BostonGlobe.com, 1 Sep. 2022 That's pushing investors and policymakers to ask whether Sri Lanka is just the first domino to fall. Julia Horowitz, CNN, 7 Aug. 2022 McLaurin now has the long-term security his play has merited, and Samuel is theoretically the next domino to fall. Nicholas Mcgee, Forbes, 29 June 2022 After Colombia, Brazil could be the next domino to fall in a leftward direction if early polls in Brazil are to be believed for the upcoming October presidential election.Fox News, 18 June 2022 Missing even one is like knocking over the first domino in a row—and can leave a child not just underprotected against illnesses, but ineligible for school. Maryn Mckenna, Wired, 2 Mar. 2022 Jonna finishes her puzzle and takes off, with Brad next, as Wes arrives to another puzzle-type of checkpoint where players must stack mini wood blocks domino-style in the shape of the top of a star. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 6 July 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
French, probably from Latin (in the ritual formula benedicamus Domino let us bless the Lord)