noun

gelato

juh-LAH-toh

Gelato (noun) means an Italian-style frozen dessert similar to ice cream but denser and typically lower in fat. Example: “We stopped for gelato after dinner in Rome.”

noun

An Italian-style frozen dessert similar to ice cream but denser and typically lower in fat.

"We stopped for gelato after dinner in Rome."

"Pistachio is her favorite gelato flavor."

How to use gelato

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishItalian-style ice cream, usually denser and less fatty than American ice cream.

Easily confused with

ice cream sorbet →

Word forms

gelati plural, gelatos plural

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

We stopped for _____ after dinner in Rome.

Etymology

From Italian gelato, "frozen," ultimately from Latin gelū, "frost."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for gelato

gato Mato Cato nato vato Kato Sato Dato Plato tomato potato Yamato

See all rhymes for gelato →

Frequently asked questions

What does “gelato” mean?

The word “gelato” means an Italian-style frozen dessert similar to ice cream but denser and typically lower in fat. In plain terms, italian-style ice cream, usually denser and less fatty than American ice cream.

How do you pronounce “gelato”?

“Gelato” is pronounced juh-LAH-toh (/d͡ʒəˈlɑtoʊ/ in IPA).

How do you use “gelato” in a sentence?

Here is “gelato” used in a sentence: “We stopped for gelato after dinner in Rome.”

What part of speech is “gelato”?

“Gelato” is a noun.

Where does the word “gelato” come from?

The word “gelato” comes from Latin. From Italian gelato, "frozen," ultimately from Latin gelū, "frost.".