cabriolet

[ kab-ree-uh-ley ]

noun

1. a light, two-wheeled, one-horse carriage with a folding top, capable of seating two persons.
2. an automobile resembling a coupe but with a folding top.

cabriolet

/ ˌkæbrɪəʊˈleɪ /

noun

1. a small two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage with two seats and a folding hood
2. See drophead coupé
   a former name for a drophead coupé

Word History and Origins

Origin of cabriolet¹

1760–70; < French: literally, little caper; so called from its light movement. See cabriole, -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of cabriolet¹

C18: from French, literally: a little skip, from cabriole, from Latin capreolus wild goat, from caper goat; referring to the lightness of movement

Example Sentences

(A more upscale version, the cabriolet, or “cab,” was later imported from France).

From The Daily Beast

Do you know, Monsieur, that just as we were coming into Moulins, we remarked your odd-looking cabriolet de poste.

From Project Gutenberg

Not but that a cabriolet is a good vehicle of its sort: I know of few more comfortable.

From Project Gutenberg

"We will go to the Hotel de l'Europe, if you press it;" and away the cabriolet joggled over the roughly paved street.

From Project Gutenberg

After a brief reflection, he called a hack-cabriolet, and bade the man drive towards Bethnal Green.

From Project Gutenberg

The gentleman turned down one of the streets to the left, stopped, and called to the servant dozing behind his cabriolet.

From Project Gutenberg