Caravel: meaning, definitions and examples

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caravel

 

[ kəˈrævəl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

type of ship

A caravel is a small, highly maneuverable sailing ship that was developed in the 15th century by the Portuguese. It is characterized by its lateen sails and a shallow draft, which allowed it to navigate in coastal waters and rivers. Caravels were instrumental during the Age of Exploration, enabling explorers like Christopher Columbus to undertake long voyages across the Atlantic.

Synonyms

craft, ship, vessel

Examples of usage

  • The caravel was crucial for trade during the Age of Discovery.
  • Explorers used the caravel to reach new lands.
  • The design of the caravel influenced future shipbuilding.
  • Historical records show caravels exploring the African coast.

Translations

Translations of the word "caravel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caravela

🇮🇳 करवेल

🇩🇪 Karavelle

🇮🇩 karavel

🇺🇦 каравела

🇵🇱 karawela

🇯🇵 キャラベル

🇫🇷 caravelle

🇪🇸 carabela

🇹🇷 karavela

🇰🇷 카라벨

🇸🇦 كارافيل

🇨🇿 karavela

🇸🇰 karavela

🇨🇳 卡拉维尔

🇸🇮 karavela

🇮🇸 karavella

🇰🇿 каравела

🇬🇪 კარაველა

🇦🇿 karavela

🇲🇽 carabela

Etymology

The term 'caravel' is derived from the Spanish word 'carabela', itself coming from the Latin 'cāra' meaning 'to put to sea'. This type of ship emerged in the late 15th century during the height of maritime exploration by the Portuguese and Spanish. Caravels were particularly noted for their versatility, able to sail close to the wind while also being swift and light, which made them perfect for exploration and fishing. Their construction involved lateen sails, a design that originated in the Mediterranean and allowed for exceptional agility at sea. This innovation was critical in helping navigators travel uncharted waters and ultimately facilitated the discovery of trade routes and new lands. Throughout the 16th century, the caravel was widely used, and its influence can still be seen in modern sailing vessels.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,248, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.