gazebo
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a small, permanent building in a garden or park that has a roof but open sides.
a permanent, roofed structure in a landscape, often open-sided, designed to provide a scenic view or a shaded seating area.
Simple“We sat in the wooden gazebo to stay dry while watching the rain fall on the garden.”
In context“The historic estate features an ornate Victorian gazebo situated at the highest point of the lawn to maximise the view of the valley.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a temporary shelter made of cloth and poles, often used for outdoor parties or markets.
a portable, collapsible canopy supported by a metal frame, used for temporary shelter at outdoor events.
Simple“They set up a white gazebo in the backyard for the birthday party.”
In context“The market vendors struggled to secure their gazebos as the wind picked up during the afternoon session.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a word used to describe something that looks messy, cheap, or out of place.
a derogatory term for a structure or object perceived as gaudy, flimsy, or aesthetically incongruous.
Simple“That new shed he built is a bit of a gazebo, isn't it?”
In context“The locals complained that the modern art installation was a right gazebo that ruined the traditional look of the square.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to Irish English and is used to criticise something's appearance.
Synonymseyesoremonstrosity
Possibly from gaze + Latin future indicative conjugation-ending -bō, as in vidēbō (“I will see”), comparable perhaps to lavabo from Latin lavābō (“I will wash”); alternatively from Arabic قَصَبَة (qaṣaba, “fort, casbah”), itself possibly refashioned after the former.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.