domino: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral. Common in everyday, technical (physics/engineering), and figurative contexts.
Quick answer
What does “domino” mean?
A small, flat, rectangular block used in playing a game, typically with spots (pips) on one side.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, flat, rectangular block used in playing a game, typically with spots (pips) on one side.
The game played with such blocks; also refers to the principle of a series of events where each event causes the next (the domino effect). Can denote a loose cloak worn with a mask, especially at masquerades.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. 'Dominoes' as the name of the game is equally common in both varieties. The phrase 'the domino effect' is universal.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Primarily neutral or literal for the game, negative for geopolitical contexts (Domino Theory), and neutral/causal for the effect.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly more common in AmE in political historical contexts due to Cold War discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “domino” in a Sentence
[N] fall like dominoestrigger a [N] effectplay a game of [N]set up a [N] chainVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “domino” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The closures could domino through the entire high street.
- It's worrying how quickly these scandals domino.
American English
- The bank failures dominoed across the region.
- Once one team withdraws, the rest will domino.
adverb
British English
- The companies failed domino-style.
- Events unfolded domino, one after another.
American English
- The system collapsed domino-fast.
- It spread domino-quick through the population.
adjective
British English
- They organised a massive domino rally for charity.
- The report outlined a domino scenario for the alliance.
American English
- He's a domino champion.
- We're studying domino dynamics in network theory.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The bankruptcy of the major supplier triggered a domino effect across the industry.'
Academic
In political science/history: 'The Domino Theory influenced US foreign policy in Southeast Asia.' In physics: 'The experiment demonstrated a domino-like cascade in the magnetic structure.'
Everyday
Literal: 'We played dominoes all evening.' Figurative: 'If I'm late for the school run, it causes a whole domino effect for my day.'
Technical
In engineering/systems theory: 'The failure propagated through the network in a domino fashion.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “domino”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “domino”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “domino”
- Using 'domino' as an uncountable noun for the pieces (e.g., 'a bag of domino' – incorrect; 'a bag of dominoes' – correct).
- Confusing 'domino effect' with 'butterfly effect' (domino is direct, sequential causation; butterfly is small cause, large, unpredictable effect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A domino effect implies a sequential, often linear chain where each event directly causes the next. A snowball effect emphasizes increasing size, scale, or momentum as it progresses.
It is plural. The singular is 'a domino' or 'a domino tile'. 'Dominoes' can refer to multiple pieces or to the game itself ('a game of dominoes').
Yes, especially in American English and in business/political journalism, meaning 'to cause a series of similar events to happen one after another', though some style guides consider it informal.
It comes from the resemblance of the cloak-and-hood costume to the black cape worn by priests in winter, which over time became associated with masquerade balls. The name was borrowed from the game piece, likely due to the colour contrast.
A small, flat, rectangular block used in playing a game, typically with spots (pips) on one side.
Domino is usually neutral. common in everyday, technical (physics/engineering), and figurative contexts. in register.
Domino: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒmɪnəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːmənoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the domino effect”
- “fall like dominoes”
- “it's all dominoes from here”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOMINO sounds like 'DOWMinate NOw' – imagine dominos knocking each other down to dominate the table now.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAUSAL CHAIN IS A LINE OF FALLING DOMINOES (e.g., 'One small mistake started a domino effect of problems.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'domino' used as a verb?