GONDOLA Meaning and
Definition
-
A gondola refers to a long, narrow, flat-bottomed boat that is traditionally used as a means of transportation in the canals of Venice, Italy. It is typically propelled by a gondolier who stands at the stern and uses an oar to row the boat. The origins of the gondola can be traced back to the 11th century, and it has become an iconic symbol of Venice.
The design of a gondola is unique and easily identifiable. It features a slightly asymmetrical shape, with a flat keel that enables the boat to navigate shallow waters. The gondola is generally made from wood, and its construction involves a meticulous process passed down through generations of Venetian craftsmen.
A typical gondola measures around 11 meters long and weighs approximately 600 kilograms. It has a distinctive and ornate aesthetic, characterized by a graceful, curving bow and stern. Traditionally, it is painted in black and carries several symbolic decorations, including the iron prow that depicts a six-pronged "ferro" or "ferro da gondola," which is said to symbolize the six districts of Venice.
While the gondola originally served as a primary mode of transport in Venice, it is now primarily used for tourism purposes, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the enchanting canals of the city in an iconic and romantic setting. The gondola continues to evoke a sense of timelessness and embodies the rich cultural history of Venice.
-
A Venetian pleasure-boat or barge.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for GONDOLA *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for GONDOLA
Etymology of GONDOLA
The word "gondola" has an interesting etymology.
It comes from the Italian word "gondola", which is derived from the Latin word "cymbula", meaning "small boat" or "skiff". The Latin term "cymbula" was further derived from the Greek word "kymbē", meaning "boat" or "hollow vessel".
The origin of the word "gondola" can be traced back to the ancient Venetians, who used similar boats for transportation through the canals of Venice. Over time, these boats evolved into the iconic and distinctively shaped gondolas that are now synonymous with Venice. The word "gondola" has been in use since the 16th century and has remained relatively unchanged in its spelling and meaning throughout its history.
Similar spelling words for GONDOLA
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
