dominoes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, informal
Quick answer
What does “dominoes” mean?
A table game played with rectangular tiles (dominoes) marked with spots, typically played by matching the spots on adjacent pieces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A table game played with rectangular tiles (dominoes) marked with spots, typically played by matching the spots on adjacent pieces.
Refers to the game and its equipment collectively; also used metaphorically to describe a chain reaction where one event causes a series of similar events (domino effect).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA). The game is equally common.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes casual gaming and, metaphorically, a predictable, sequential collapse.
Frequency
Metaphorical use ('domino effect/theory') is equally frequent in political/journalistic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dominoes” in a Sentence
play + dominoesa game/set of + dominoesthe dominoes + fall/collapseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dominoes” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new policy could domino through the entire supply chain.
- Events began to domino after the initial scandal.
American English
- The closures are expected to domino across the industry.
- If one fails, it will domino quickly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for sequential failure or risk contagion (e.g., 'The bankruptcy could trigger a domino effect in the sector').
Academic
Used in political science/history (e.g., 'the domino theory of communist expansion').
Everyday
Refers to the physical game played socially or with family.
Technical
In computer science/physics, can model cascading failures or chain reactions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dominoes”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dominoes”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dominoes”
- Using 'domino' as an uncountable noun for the game (incorrect: 'I like to play domino'; correct: 'I like to play dominoes').
- Treating it as always plural with 'are' when referring to the game as an activity (e.g., 'Dominoes is a quiet game' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a game name, it's singular ('Dominoes is fun'). When referring to the tiles, it's plural ('These dominoes are old').
'Domino' is singular for one tile or the mask/costume. 'Dominoes' is the plural for the tiles and the standard name for the game.
Yes, informally, meaning to cause a sequential effect (e.g., 'The protests dominoed across the region').
It is accepted in both formal and informal contexts, common in journalism, academia, and business.
A table game played with rectangular tiles (dominoes) marked with spots, typically played by matching the spots on adjacent pieces.
Dominoes: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒm.ɪ.nəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑː.mə.noʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “domino effect”
- “like dominoes”
- “fall like dominoes”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOMINOES: Dots On Many Ivory Numbers, One End Spot. Think of the line of tiles falling one after another.
Conceptual Metaphor
CAUSALITY IS A FALLING DOMINO (one event inevitably knocks over the next).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common meaning of 'dominoes'?