noun
gondolier
gon-duh-LEER
Gondolier (noun) means a person who propels a gondola, especially in Venice. Example: “The gondolier steered us slowly along the narrow canal.”
noun
1
A person who propels a gondola, especially in Venice.
"The gondolier steered us slowly along the narrow canal."
"Tourists often ask the gondolier to sing as he rows."
"Becoming a licensed gondolier in Venice takes years of training."
How to use gondolier
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe person who rows and steers a gondola.
When to use it
It is a neutral, descriptive word with no informal alternative in common use.
Memory tip
The -ier ending marks the person who does the job, just as in words like financier.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
hire a gondolier
the gondolier's song
a Venetian gondolier
the gondolier rowed
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The _____ steered us slowly along the narrow canal.
Etymology
Gondolier came into English from the Italian gondoliere by way of French. It is built from gondola plus the ending -ier.
Synonyms
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gondoliere
Rhymes for gondolier
See all rhymes for gondolier →Frequently asked questions
What is a gondolier?
A gondolier is someone who propels a gondola, the traditional flat-bottomed boat most associated with Venice.
Where do gondoliers work?
Gondoliers are especially associated with Venice, where they guide gondolas along the city's canals.
Where does the word gondolier come from?
It comes from the Italian gondoliere, reaching English through French, and is formed from gondola plus the suffix -ier.
What is the meaning of gondolier?
"gondolier" (noun) means a person who propels a gondola, especially in Venice.
