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esplanade

noun
es·​pla·​nade | \ ˈe-splə-ˌnäd How to pronounce esplanade (audio) , ˌe-splə-ˈnäd also ˌe-splə-ˈnād or ˈe-splə-ˌnād\

Definition of esplanade

: a level open stretch of paved or grassy ground especially : one designed for walking or driving along a shore
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Did You Know?

The history of "esplanade" is completely on the level. The Italians created "spianata," for a level stretch of ground, from their verb "spianare," which means "to make level." "Spianare" in turn comes from the Latin verb explanare, which also means "to make level" and which is the source of our verb "explain." Middle-French speakers borrowed "spianata" as "esplanade," and in the late 1500s we borrowed the French word. In the late 17th century, and even later, esplanades were associated with war. The word was used to refer to a clear space between a citadel and the nearest house of a town or to a slope around a fortification used for defense against attack. Today, however, esplanades are usually for enjoyment.

Examples of esplanade in a Sentence

a tree-lined esplanade by the river

Recent Examples on the Web

 The worst of the standing water sits directly above and around the top of the tunnel, alongside an esplanade designed to highlight the river view. — Sharon Otterman, New York Times, "Flooding in Riverside Park: Good for Ducks. Bad for Amtrak Trains Below?," 21 July 2019 Detroit has already created much of its RiverWalk, its large if inadequate Hart Plaza, Campus Martius and the esplanade running south from there, and now Spirit Plaza itself. — John Gallagher, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit needs to put stretch of Jefferson underground for more walkable downtown," 27 July 2019 Under a canopy of trees and overlooking the lake on the esplanade at the Chicago Botanic Garden, dozens of artists from across the country featured their original artwork inspired by nature. — Gina Grillo, chicagotribune.com, "Artists inspired by nature featured at Chicago Botanic Garden festival," 8 July 2019 Explore: The esplanade provides a perfect backdrop to evening strolls. — Anne Farrar, National Geographic, "You can now hail an Uber to the Great Barrier Reef," 19 June 2019 Those wanting to enjoy an adult beverage more freely in the parks will have to cross the esplanade to Disney California Adventure. — Valerie Marino, Condé Nast Traveler, "How to Plan a Trip to Disneyland," 14 June 2019 Bike the Paseo Victorica esplanade past cafés, the Naval Museum, the belle-époque Tigre Art Museum, and local rowing clubs. — Caitlin Etherton, National Geographic, "Venice is flooded with tourists—visit these floating cities instead," 16 May 2019 The lovely Jardins de l'Europe and festive esplanade both give way to a sandy bay fringed with old-timey paddle boats, some of which are topped with individual waterslides. — Elizabeth Wellington, Vogue, "Exploring Annecy, the Venice of the French Alps," 7 Nov. 2018 Tens of thousands of people cheered Francis at an open air Mass in late morning at an esplanade along the port city's waterfront. — Fox News, "Pope paying tribute in Sicily to priest slain by Mafia," 15 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'esplanade.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of esplanade

1591, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for esplanade

Middle French, from Italian spianata, from spianare to level, from Latin explanare — more at explain

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More Definitions for esplanade

esplanade

noun
How to pronounce esplanade (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of esplanade

: a level, open area especially : an area for walking or driving along a shore

See the full definition for esplanade in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with esplanade

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