WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Gon"do*la
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [It., dim. of gonda a gondola; cf. LL. gandeia a kind of boat, Gr. gondole gondola, cup.]
Definition : 1. A long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, used in the canals of Venice. A gondola is usually propelled by one or two oarsmen who stand facing the prow, or by poling. A gondola for passengers has a small open cabin amidships, for their protection against the sun or rain. A sumptuary law of Venice required that gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted now.

2. A flat-bottomed boat for freight. [U. S.]

3. A long platform car, either having no sides or with very low sides, used on railroads. [U. S.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913