noun

barcarole

BAR-kuh-rohl

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Barcarole (noun) means a traditional Venetian song sung by gondoliers, usually set in a swaying rhythm that echoes the movement of rowing. Example: “The gondolier sang a barcarole as he rowed us along the canal.”

noun

formal A traditional Venetian song sung by gondoliers, usually set in a swaying rhythm that echoes the movement of rowing.

"The gondolier sang a barcarole as he rowed us along the canal."

"A barcarole's rocking rhythm is meant to mimic the pull of the oars."

"Visitors to Venice sometimes hear a barcarole drifting across the water at dusk."

formal A piece of music written to imitate the style and rhythm of a traditional Venetian boat song.

"The composer included a barcarole among the piano pieces in the collection."

"Several well-known barcaroles were written for piano rather than for singing."

"The orchestra opened the concert with a barcarole evoking a gentle boat ride."

How to use barcarole

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA barcarole is a gently rocking song or piece of music styled after the songs Venetian gondoliers used to sing while rowing.

When to use it

It is a specialist term from classical music, not something used in everyday speech.

Memory tip

Listen for the steady rocking rhythm in a barcarole; it is written to feel like the pull of oars on water.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

compose a barcarole a barcarole for piano sing a barcarole the rhythm of a barcarole

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “barcarole” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The gondolier sang a _____ as he rowed us along the canal.

Etymology

The word was borrowed from French, which took it from a Venetian dialect term for a song sung by a boatman. That term traces back further to the word for a boat or barge, and ultimately to an ancient Egyptian word for a transport ship.

Origin: French

Rhymes for barcarole

ole hole vole mole sole pole cole dole role stole whole Poole

See all rhymes for barcarole →

Frequently asked questions

What is a barcarole?

A barcarole is a Venetian boat song traditionally sung by gondoliers, or a piece of music written in its rocking style.

What rhythm does a barcarole use?

A barcarole is typically set in a swaying compound time, with alternating strong and weak beats that suggest the motion of rowing.

Is barcarole the same word as barcarolle?

Yes, barcarolle is simply an alternative spelling of the same word.

What is the meaning of barcarole?

"barcarole" (noun) means a traditional Venetian song sung by gondoliers, usually set in a swaying rhythm that echoes the movement of rowing.