capitol

Everyday

1. (US) The Capitol: the building in Washington, D.C. where the US Congress meets to make laws. tree →
2. (US) The building where a state's lawmakers meet, a state capitol. tree →
3. (history) The temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill in ancient Rome. tree →

In the lessons

In lessons about the USA and politics it is the building with the big white dome. It is easily confused with "capital". Phrases: "the Capitol building", "Capitol Hill", "the state capitol".

Examples

• The US Congress meets in the Capitol. tree →
• The Capitol has a huge white dome. tree →
• We visited the state capitol in Austin. tree →
• Capitol Hill is often used to mean the US Congress. tree →
• In ancient Rome, the Capitol was a temple on a hill. tree →
• ‘Great prince,’ said he, ‘cause a copper horse and rider to be made, and stationed in front of the Capitol. tree →

Note

Trap: "capitol" with -ol means a building; "capital" with -al means a main city (Washington is the capital), money, or a big letter. Memory trick: the Capitol has a dOme, so it has an O.