noun

caravel

KA-ruh-vel

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Caravel (noun) means a light sailing ship, usually rigged with triangular sails, used by Portuguese and Spanish sailors for trade and exploration from the 15th century onward. Example: “Portuguese explorers sailed caravels along the coast of West Africa.”

noun

historical A light sailing ship, usually rigged with triangular sails, used by Portuguese and Spanish sailors for trade and exploration from the 15th century onward.

"Portuguese explorers sailed caravels along the coast of West Africa."

"The caravel's shallow draught made it well suited to coastal exploration."

"Columbus's fleet included two caravels alongside his larger flagship."

How to use caravel

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA small, fast sailing ship used by early Portuguese and Spanish explorers.

When to use it

It is a historical and nautical term, not used in ordinary modern conversation.

Memory tip

The stress falls on the first syllable: KA-ruh-vel.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

sail a caravel a fleet of caravels a lateen-rigged caravel

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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 “caravel” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Portuguese explorers sailed _____ along the coast of West Africa.

Etymology

Caravel came into English from Middle French caravelle, which traces back through Old Galician-Portuguese caravela to a Late Latin word for a small wicker boat covered in hide. That Latin word ultimately derives from an Ancient Greek term for a light vessel.

Origin: Middle French

Synonyms

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carvel

Rhymes for caravel

navel ravel gavel Pavel Havel travel gravel unravel

See all rhymes for caravel →

Frequently asked questions

What was a caravel used for?

It was used by Portuguese and Spanish sailors for trade and later for voyages of exploration, over a period of about 300 years from the 15th century.

Who sailed caravels?

Portuguese and Spanish explorers used them, including ships in Columbus's fleet.

What kind of sails did a caravel have?

It was usually rigged with triangular, lateen sails.

What is the meaning of caravel?

"caravel" (noun) means a light sailing ship, usually rigged with triangular sails, used by Portuguese and Spanish sailors for trade and exploration from the 15th century onward.