ENGLISH
REFERENCE

esplanade

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˌɛspɫəˈnɑd// UK //ˈɛsplɐnˌeɪd// es·planade

n. a wide, open area of land that is often flat and used for walking. It is usually found next to a river, a sea, or a large building.

n. a wide, open, and often flat area of land, typically used for public access or recreation. Often situated adjacent to a body of water or a significant architectural structure.


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.

Origin

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”).

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