Word
gazebo
Phoneticsgaze·bo
UK/ɡɐzˈiːbəʊ/
Definitions
01garden structure
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a small, permanent building in a garden or park that has a roof but open sides.
n. a permanent, roofed structure in a landscape, often open-sided, designed to provide a scenic view or a shaded seating area.
“We sat in the wooden gazebo to stay dry while watching the rain fall on the garden.”
“The historic estate features an ornate Victorian gazebo situated at the highest point of the lawn to maximise the view of the valley.”
Synonyms
02temporary tent
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a temporary shelter made of cloth and poles, often used for outdoor parties or markets.
n. a portable, collapsible canopy supported by a metal frame, used for temporary shelter at outdoor events.
“They set up a white gazebo in the backyard for the birthday party.”
“The market vendors struggled to secure their gazebos as the wind picked up during the afternoon session.”
03something ugly or poorly made
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Dialect · Informal
n. a word used to describe something that looks messy, cheap, or out of place.
n. a derogatory term for a structure or object perceived as gaudy, flimsy, or aesthetically incongruous.
“That new shed he built is a bit of a gazebo, isn't it?”
“The locals complained that the modern art installation was a right gazebo that ruined the traditional look of the square.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Traditional musicians set up stall in one of the gazebos, with those gathered joining the songs.” Etymology
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.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/gazebo