domino

¹

[ dom-uh-noh ]

noun

, plural dom·i·noes.

1. 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.
2. 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.

domino

²

[ dom-uh-noh ]

noun

, plural dom·i·noes, dom·i·nos.

1. a large, hooded cloak with a mask covering the eyes, worn at masquerades.
2. the mask.
3. a person wearing such dress.

Domino

³

[ dom-uh-noh ]

noun

1. Antoine Fats, 1928–2017, U.S. rhythm-and-blues pianist, singer, and composer.

domino

¹

/ ˈdɒmɪˌnəʊ /

noun

1. a large hooded cloak worn with an eye mask at a masquerade
2. the eye mask worn with such a cloak

domino

²

/ ˈdɒmɪˌnəʊ /

noun

1. 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
2. modifier exhibiting the domino effect

   a domino pattern of takeovers

Domino

³

/ ˈdɒmɪnəʊ /

noun

1. DominoFats1928MUSMUSIC: pianistMUSIC: singerMUSIC: popular songwriter 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of domino¹

First recorded in 1710–20; perhaps special use of domino ²

Origin of domino²

First recorded in 1710–20; from Italian: “hood and mask costume,” from Medieval Latin or Middle French: “black hood worn by priests in winter”; obscurely akin to Latin dominus “lord, master”

Word History and Origins

Origin of domino¹

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

Origin of domino²

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

Example Sentences

“Now they’re cogs in enormous, multinational operations where one domino suddenly sends 50 others falling.”

From Los Angeles Times

She said she worries that the elimination of no-fault would only beget more violence — and that its restriction could have a "domino effect," especially in deep-red states.

From Salon

Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which set in motion a domino effect of widely varying laws about abortion in the states.

From Los Angeles Times

Oh sees it as a potential “domino” that could lead to more zoning changes in single-family neighborhoods, which have long been treated by political leaders as off-limits for multi-unit development.

From Los Angeles Times

Betts’ return and position switch had a domino effect on the roster and lineup, with utility man Amed Rosario and right fielder Jason Heyward bearing the brunt of the move.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• camouflage
• cloak
• veil