what is an igloo
What is an igloo?
Quick Scoop: An igloo is a dome-shaped shelter traditionally associated with Inuit peoples and built from blocks of compacted snow, especially for temporary use in Arctic regions. In Inuit languages, the word iglu can also mean “house” more broadly, not just a snow house.
[1][5][7]How it works
Igloos are designed to trap warmth surprisingly well because packed snow contains lots of air pockets that help insulate the inside from the cold outside. Traditional igloos were practical winter shelters and could include a low entrance tunnel to reduce drafts.
[5][8]Key facts
- Usually dome-shaped. [9][1]
- Commonly made from blocks of snow or ice for temporary shelters. [1][5]
- Strongly associated with Inuit, Inupiat, and Yupik peoples. [5][1]
- The word comes from an Inuit term meaning “house.” [7][5]
Simple example
If you imagine a small snow “house” built in a circular shape, with thick walls and a tiny entrance, that’s the basic idea of an igloo.
[1][5]Bottom line: An igloo is a traditional Arctic shelter made from snow, and it is much more than just a pile of blocks — it is a smart design for extreme cold.
[5][1]