# gazebo

/ɡɐzˈiːbəʊ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gazebo
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. garden structure

noun · CEFR B2

a small, permanent building in a garden or park that has a roof but open sides.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. temporary tent

noun · CEFR B2

a temporary shelter made of cloth and poles, often used for outdoor parties or markets.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. something ugly or poorly made

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect · Informal

a word used to describe something that looks messy, cheap, or out of place.

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to Irish English and is used to criticise something's appearance.

## Examples

- We sat in the gazebo to enjoy the garden.
- The wedding ceremony took place in a white gazebo decorated with fresh flowers and fairy lights.
- While the main house was modern and minimalist, the garden featured a traditional hexagonal gazebo that provided a quiet retreat for the homeowners during the summer months.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.