igloo
igloo Lexical Profile
igloo Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A dome-shaped dwelling built from blocks of solid snow, traditionally used by Inuit and other indigenous peoples of the Arctic regions as a temporary winter home or hunting shelter.
"The hunters constructed a small igloo to protect themselves from the freezing Arctic winds overnight."
Canadian Any house or dwelling place, regardless of the construction material, particularly when referring to Inuit cultural contexts.
"In modern Inuktitut, the word igloo is used to refer to a contemporary wooden house just as easily as a traditional snow dwelling."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Inuktitut 'iglu' (ᐃᒡᓗ), meaning 'house' or 'building'. While the term in its native language refers to any dwelling, it entered English in the mid-19th century specifically denoting the traditional dome-shaped snow structures.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.