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DictionarygondolierBoat rower
noun

gondolier

gahn-duh-LEER/ˌɡɑːndəˈlɪr/

A person who rows and steers a gondola.

The gondolier rows and steers the boat along a quiet canal.

A Venetian gondolier standing at the stern of a long, narrow black gondola, propelling it with a single long oar seated in its distinctive open wooden oarlock.
Etymology
gondolItalianVenetian canal boat
+ierItalianperson engaged in an activity

The boat name gondola combines with an agent ending to name its operator: the person who rows the Venetian craft.

In context

Postcards From Our Golden Years0:31
the gondolier didn't sing to us there
POSTCARD FROM NAPLES, FLORIDA - DINNER AT NOSH ON NAPLES BAY- ANOTHER FINE DINING RESTAURANT

More examples

  • Our gondolier stands at the back of the boat.
  • Two gondoliers wait beside their boats for passengers.
  • The gondolier uses one long oar to turn the boat.

Forms

gondolier · gondoliers

gondola noun — A narrow, flat-bottomed boat used in Venice.

Similar words

rower
A rower propels a boat but may not steer it.
boatman
A boatman operates a boat, not necessarily a gondola.