Word Noun
gondola
n.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɡɑndəɫə/ UK /ɡəndˈəʊlɐ/ gon·do·la UK spelling gondolas
Definition
n.a small, flat-bottomed boat used for traveling on water. You often see them in Venice, Italy, where they are pulled by people or small motors.
n.a flat-bottomed boat, typically used for transport or recreation on canals or rivers. Often associated with Venice, where it is the traditional means of transport.
Examples
“We took a gondola ride through the narrow canals.”
“While modern ferries have largely replaced the gondola for daily commutes, the traditional vessel remains a vital part of Venice's cultural identity and a primary tourist attraction.”
Etymology
Borrowed from Italian gondola, from Venetan góndoƚa. Possibly from Byzantine Greek κοντοῦρα (kontoûra, “cutter, kind of ship”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
This entry
Origin gkm κοντούρα
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated