igloo
Igloo (noun) means a dome-shaped shelter built from blocks of packed snow, traditionally used by Inuit people. Example: “They built an igloo on the frozen lake to shelter from the wind.”
How to use igloo
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA snow shelter shaped like a dome, traditionally built by Inuit people in the Arctic.
In Inuktitut the word just means "house" generally — English speakers narrowed it to mean only the snow-dome version.
Word forms
igloos plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They built an _____ on the frozen lake to shelter from the wind.
Etymology
From Inuktitut iglu, meaning "house" or "dwelling" of any kind — English narrowed the word to mean specifically the snow-block shelter.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for igloo
See all rhymes for igloo →Frequently asked questions
What does “igloo” mean?
The word “igloo” means a dome-shaped shelter built from blocks of packed snow, traditionally used by Inuit people. In plain terms, a snow shelter shaped like a dome, traditionally built by Inuit people in the Arctic.
How do you pronounce “igloo”?
“Igloo” is pronounced IHG-loo (/ˈɪɡ.luː/ in IPA).
How do you use “igloo” in a sentence?
Here is “igloo” used in a sentence: “They built an igloo on the frozen lake to shelter from the wind.”
What part of speech is “igloo”?
“Igloo” is a noun.