domino

¹ American  

[dom-uh-noh] / ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /

noun

plural

dominoes

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. (used with a singular verb) dominoes, 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.

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domino ² American  

[dom-uh-noh] / ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /

noun

plural

dominoes, dominos

1. a large, hooded cloak with a mask covering the eyes, worn at masquerades.

2. the mask.

3. a person wearing such dress.

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Domino ³ American  

[dom-uh-noh] / ˈdɒm əˌnoʊ /

noun

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

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domino ¹ British  

/ 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

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domino ² British  

/ ˈdɒmɪˌnəʊ /

noun

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

2. the eye mask worn with such a cloak

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Domino ³ British  

/ ˈdɒmɪnəʊ /

noun

1. 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)

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Etymology

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”

Explanation

A domino is a small rectangular block used in the game dominoes. Each block has anywhere from 0 to 6 dots. A domino is a small, black rectangular game piece with white dots. In the game called dominoes, sides of the dominoes with equal numbers are matched. Dominoes are also stood up to create elaborate patterns that look pretty impressive when they’re knocked down. If you set them up right, knocking down the first domino will knock down hundreds and even thousands of others. This use of dominoes inspired the domino effect, when one action inevitably causes others.

Example Sentences

While the company has the means to fight in court, the domino effect from thousands of other pending cases could dampen investor enthusiasm for big AI advances.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

“We have known for decades that once you have one disc surgery, the chances of having another are substantially higher, especially if you use the fusion technique like Tiger. It’s a domino effect.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

In the domino comparison, it is as if only the final pieces determine the end result.

From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026

The latest blackout was due to an outage in a generating unit at one of the country's eight thermoelectric plants, triggering a domino effect in the system, according to authorities.

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

The rectangular stone was the size of a domino, set in a thick gold band with delicate swirling patterns engraved on each side.

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

• camouflage
• cloak
• veil