English Reference

Word

esplanade

Phoneticses·planade

US/ˌɛspɫəˈnɑd/

UK/ˈɛsplɐnˌeɪd/

Definition

n. a flat, open space between a fort and the town houses.

n. a clear space between a citadel and the nearest houses of a town, originally kept open to prevent attackers from hiding.

Examples

“We walked along the esplanade to see the sunset.”

“The city built a new esplanade along the river to give residents more space for outdoor activities.”

“The grand esplanade served as a vital thoroughfare for the city's residents, connecting the historic cathedral to the bustling port and providing a scenic promenade for evening strolls.”

Examples

simple

“We walked along the esplanade to see the sunset.”

contextual

“The city built a new esplanade along the river to give residents more space for outdoor activities.”

complex

“The grand esplanade served as a vital thoroughfare for the city's residents, connecting the historic cathedral to the bustling port and providing a scenic promenade for evening strolls.”

Etymology

1590s, from French esplanade (“clear, level space”), from either Spanish esplanada (explanada), form of esplanar (“to flatten, to make level”) or Italian spianata, form of spianare (of the same meaning), both from Latin explānāre, from which English explain; see also plain (“level area, to flatten”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

clearingglacis

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated
Register
Formal, Technical

Scan code

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English Reference