Barcarole
/ˌbɑːr.kəˈroʊl/noun
A song or musical piece in a lilting rhythm, originally associated with Venetian gondoliers.
Did you know?Barcarole comes from the songs of Venetian boatmen, whose steady rowing rhythm shaped the word’s floating, wave-like musical feel.
Etymological Timeline
Italian
Italian
barcarola
“A boatmen’s song, especially one sung by Venetian gondoliers”
18th Century
French
barcarolle
“A borrowed term for a lilting song in imitation of gondoliers”
18th–19th Century
English
barcarole
“A musical piece in the style of a boat song, with a rocking rhythm”
Modern English
English
barcarole
“A song or instrumental piece evoking the rhythm of rowing or boating”