WordGarden.iodomino
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dˈɒmɪnˌəʊ/
US
- /ˈdɑməˌnoʊ/
Meanings
Noun
a small rectangular game tile marked with dots, used in dominoes
an event or thing that starts or forms part of a chain reaction
Verb
to fall or cause things to fall in a cascading sequence
Beyond the definition
We all know dominoes: those small rectangular tiles used in a popular matching game. But the word "domino" goes beyond the game itself. It can also describe something that starts a chain reaction, like a line of pieces falling one after another. In that sense, one event can lead to another, and then another, creating a series of results.
Historically, "domino" also referred to a hooded cloak worn with a mask at masquerade events. Today, you might say a political decision had a "domino effect," meaning it started a chain of related events. You could also say one success led to another, like a row of pieces falling in order.
The word "domino" originally referred to a hooded cloak, often worn with a mask at masquerade events. Later, the name came to be used for the small rectangular game tiles marked with dots, or pips, and for the game played with them, where players match values to build a line or chain.
The word also has a strong figurative meaning: it can describe a chain reaction in which one event causes the next. This is the well-known "domino effect." Think of a long line of tiles set up carefully; when the first one tips over, the rest fall in sequence.
This idea applies to many parts of life where one event has wide effects. For example: "The collapse of one bank triggered a domino effect throughout the financial system." Or, "His resignation could lead to a domino effect, with other officials stepping down." It suggests that each event leads into the next, creating a powerful sequence.
You might also hear it used in a casual way to describe things collapsing one after another: "Once the first defensive line broke, the rest of the team fell like dominoes."
So, whether you're talking about a game tile, a masked cloak, or a series of linked events, "domino" carries the idea that one thing can connect to the next and lead to a bigger result.
Examples
- 1
Children's play
The children set up the dominoes in a long line across the floor.
- 2
Game piece
We were missing one domino, so we used a coin instead.
- 3
Chain reaction
When one company cut jobs, the others followed in a domino effect.
- Phrasedomino effect
a situation where one event causes a series of similar events
- 4
Financial risk
If one small bank fails, the rest could fall like dominos.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Crisis trigger
Her resignation was the first domino in a much bigger crisis.
See also
Forms and spellings
3 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- dominonoun
Forms
- dominoespluralnoun
- dominospluralnoun