noun

Zamboni

zam-BOH-nee

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Zamboni (noun) means a machine that resurfaces ice rinks by shaving, cleaning, and re-flooding the surface with a thin layer of water. Example: “The crowd waited as the Zamboni smoothed the ice between periods.”

noun

A machine that resurfaces ice rinks by shaving, cleaning, and re-flooding the surface with a thin layer of water.

"The crowd waited as the Zamboni smoothed the ice between periods."

"The rink closes for ten minutes while the Zamboni does its rounds."

How to use Zamboni

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe vehicle that cleans and smooths an ice rink between skating sessions.

Common mistake

Originally a trademark — writers often lowercase it now that it's become a generic term for any ice-resurfacing machine.

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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”.

Word forms

Plural: Zambonis

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The crowd waited as the _____ smoothed the ice between periods.

Etymology

Named after Frank J. Zamboni, the American inventor who built the first ice-resurfacing machine; his brand name became the everyday word for the machine itself.

Rhymes for Zamboni

oni yoni Joni noni Toni Moni Soni dhoni Marconi macaroni pepperoni Berlusconi

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Zamboni” mean?

The word “Zamboni” means a machine that resurfaces ice rinks by shaving, cleaning, and re-flooding the surface with a thin layer of water. In plain terms, the vehicle that cleans and smooths an ice rink between skating sessions.

How do you pronounce “Zamboni”?

“Zamboni” is pronounced zam-BOH-nee (/zæmˈboʊ.ni/ in IPA).

How do you use “Zamboni” in a sentence?

Here is “Zamboni” used in a sentence: “The crowd waited as the Zamboni smoothed the ice between periods.”

What part of speech is “Zamboni”?

“Zamboni” is a noun.

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