domino
noun
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The History of Domino
The origin of dominoes is rather obscure, and that is as true of the word as it is of the game. Both appeared in France shortly after 1750. In both English and French, domino earlier denoted a long hooded cloak worn together with a mask during carnival season or at a masquerade. It is an even earlier sense, however, that may link the garment with the playing piece. In French, domino originally referred to a cape worn by a priest over his surplice. Domino pieces were once made with ebony blacks and ivory faces, and it has been suggested that the playing piece brought to mind the priest’s black domino contrasting with the white surplice.
Examples of domino in a Sentence
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
When another domino falls, there are a raft of accounts and people quick to post about his achievement.
—Callum Booth, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
Of all the dominoes to fall for Manchester United during this week of training, Amad’s injury carried the heaviest impact.
—Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025
Potential staffing changes for more than 1,100 Environmental Protection Agency employees are just one of the first dominoes to fall in the agency’s changes during the Trump Administration, activists say.
—Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for domino
Cite this Entry
“Domino.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/domino. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
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domino
noun
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