caravel

noun car·a·vel \ ˈker-ə-ˌvel , ˈka-rə- , -vəl \

Definition of caravel

: any of several sailing ships; specifically : a small 15th and 16th century ship that has broad bows, high narrow poop, and usually three masts with lateen or both square and lateen sails

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Recent Examples of caravel from the Web

In Europe, however, small and scrappy Portugal did build small ships called caravels that could explore the African coast and later the Atlantic Ocean.

— lee roop, AL.com, "Trump's 'Space Force' idea sounds good to Alabama representatives," 14 Mar. 2018
This caravel gave me a strange sense of peace and the feeling that there is always a story to tell, a place where to return.

— andrew katz, TIME.com, "‘My mind will stay there forever’," 17 July 2017

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

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Origin and Etymology of caravel

Medieval French caravelle, from Old Portuguese caravela

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First Known Use: 1527

in the meaning defined above

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CARAVEL Defined for Kids

caravel

noun car·a·vel \ ˈker-ə-ˌvel \

Definition of caravel for Students

: a small sailing ship of the 15th and 16th centuries with a broad bow and high stern and three or four masts

Learn More about caravel

See words that rhyme with caravel Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caravel

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