gelato

noun

ge·​la·​to jə-ˈlä-(ˌ)tō How to pronounce gelato (audio)
je-
plural gelati jə-ˈlä-tē How to pronounce gelato (audio)
je-
also gelatos
: a soft rich ice cream containing little or no air

Examples of gelato in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dessert is either zeppole or gelato. Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026 The sleek control panel makes ice cream, shakes, smoothies, sorbet and gelato with the touch of a button. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026 The intimate Orebella event took place at Los Angeles Italian hotspot Etra, ending a meal of meatballs and pasta with gelato and toffee pudding. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026 The ship also features Jumbeaux’s Sweets, a Zootopia gelato and candy shop serving more than 30 flavors of homemade ice cream and gelato. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gelato

Word History

Etymology

Italian, literally, frozen

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gelato was in 1929

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gelato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gelato. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster