igloo

noun

ig·​loo ˈi-(ˌ)glü How to pronounce igloo (audio)
plural igloos
1
: a usually dome-shaped dwelling of arctic regions that is usually made of blocks of snow or ice when built for temporary purposes or of sod, wood, or stone when permanent and that is typically associated with the Indigenous Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik peoples of Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and eastern Siberia
2
: a building or structure shaped like a dome

Illustration of igloo

Illustration of igloo
  • igloo 1

Examples of igloo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With more cold coming this week, icy igloos, snowmen and unbelievable online pics probably will be, too. Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 3 Feb. 2026 As the adults worked, the kids dove into the drifts, building igloos and tunnels. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 2 Feb. 2026 For guests 21 and over, tickets are $35 and include a bourbon tasting in an igloo, a winter cocktail at the ice bar, s’mores, a savory bourbon treat, and a take-home rocks glass set with an ice mold. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026 One of my favorite memories was getting together with a few neighborhood kids and building — an igloo! Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for igloo

Word History

Etymology

Inuit iglu house

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of igloo was in 1856

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Cite this Entry

“Igloo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/igloo. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

igloo

noun
ig·​loo ˈig-lü How to pronounce igloo (audio)
plural igloos
: an Inuit house usually made of wood, sod, or stone when permanent or of blocks of snow or ice in the form of a dome when built for temporary use

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