onion dome

noun

: a dome (as of a church) having the general shape of an onion
onion-domed
ˈən-yən-ˌdōmd How to pronounce onion dome (audio)
adjective

Examples of onion dome 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.
Outside, a carousel topped with an onion dome spins in the courtyard. — Sebastian Shukla, CNN, 18 Sep. 2023 These shapes gave me reason for the interiors; the onion dome became the dorm room, the arches became the library. — Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 23 Nov. 2024 As the venue prepares for its upcoming centennial, this work continues with projects like fixing the turquoise onion dome on the roof. — Steven Satterfield, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 Known for its distinctive golden onion domes it was built in memory of the Russian Czar’s mother, Empress Maria Alexandrovna. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025 The palace is a fantasia, with a courtyard that does not lead to any rooms and three towers topped by onion domes—the tallest of which was dedicated to Stockalper’s namesake, Kaspar, of the Three Magi, and adorned by symbols of the sun. — Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Thinking particularly about Islamic architecture, pointed arches came to mind as did the onion dome—though often associated with Russian Orthodox churches, this form has roots in Syria and Iran. — Katherine McLaughlin, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2024 Some Russians, including Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev, are pointing to that period on social media, posting photos of Russian Orthodox churches, with their onion domes, that were built in Alaska in the 19th century and still stand. — Greg Myre, NPR, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onion dome was in 1868

Rhymes for onion dome

See All Rhymes for onion dome

Browse Nearby Words

onion couch
onion dome
onion flute
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Onion dome.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onion%20dome. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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