gelato
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of gelato
First recorded in 1930–35; from Italian: literally “frozen,” noun use of past participle of gelare “to freeze,” from Latin gelāre
Explanation
Gelato is a dense, rich Italian ice cream. In the summertime, gelato is an especially delicious frozen treat. In Italian, gelato means "to freeze." Just like ice cream, gelato is made by combining and freezing cream, milk, flavoring, and sugar. Gelato has less butterfat and less air mixed into it than ice cream, and it's served at a warmer temperature. These things give gelato a depth of flavor that ice cream doesn't quite have. Try ordering some traditional gelato flavors like nocciola (hazelnut) or castagna (chestnut) the next time you're at a gelateria!
Vocabulary lists containing gelato
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
I would chase dim sum with a roasted Sicilian pistachio gelato at Palazzo Gelato in Silver Lake or shaved ice at Joy in Highland Park.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2025
Mr. Phillips, a House Democrat from Minnesota who formerly co-owned Talenti Gelato and introduced Belvedere Vodka to the United States, has poured millions of dollars from his personal fortune into his bid.
From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2024
Mr. Phillips, 54, who previously was chairman and co-owner of Talenti Gelato and is the heir to a Minnesota distilling business, is spending his own multimillion-dollar fortune on his presidential campaign.
From Washington Times • Nov. 24, 2023
Fabio's Gelato, based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, only began making its Percy Pig ice cream last week.
From BBC • May 15, 2023
He was so engrossed in the wiring that he didn’t notice the landing party was back until Percy said, ‘Hey, man. Gelato.’
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
