esplanade

noun

es·​pla·​nade ˈe-splə-ˌnäd 

ˌe-splə-ˈnäd,

 also  ˌe-splə-ˈnād,

 or  ˈe-splə-ˌnād

: a level open stretch of paved or grassy ground

especially : one designed for walking or driving along a shore

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 design includes a library, multipurpose rooms for research and art-making, a new esplanade, and storage space to hold Rivera’s complete 50,000-piece art collection of pre-Hispanic art and artifacts. —Tessa Solomon For Artnews, Robb Report, 2 Nov. 2021

Far-right Israelis are challenging the status quo over the holy site The esplanade that is home to Al-Aqsa, and the Western Wall, which supports it, are revered by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount, where the Second Temple stood before it was destroyed by the Romans. —Fatma Tanis, NPR, 10 Apr. 2024

The charming town features historic Spanish missions, beaches, restaurants, and an esplanade for seaside strolling. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2023

While tickets will be required for prime viewing spots, watching from the esplanade along the river will be free to all. —Lindsey Tramuta, Travel + Leisure, 12 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1591, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

esplanade

noun

es·​pla·​nade ˈes-plə-ˌnäd 

ˌes-plə-ˈ

: a level open stretch or area

especially : one for walking or driving along a shore