gelato

American  

[juh-lah-toh] / dʒəˈlɑ toʊ /

noun

plural

gelati, gelatos

1. an Italian-style ice cream containing almost no air, and thereby denser and richer than other ice creams.

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gelato British  

/ dʒəˈlɑːtəʊ /

noun

1. Italian ice-cream

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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!

Example Sentences

I would chase dim sum with a roasted Sicilian pistachio gelato at Pazzo 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

"Gelato," he quickly answers himself with a smile.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2022

They were at You Gelato Be Kidding!, a sketchy little shop that had somehow become their favorite place to get dessert in the intensity of the last three weeks.

From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon

Related Words

• frozen yogurt
• sherbet
• sorbet