Riviera
/rɪv.iˈɛə.rə/noun
A coastal region known for its attractive scenery, mild climate, and resorts, especially the Mediterranean coast.
Did you know?The name originally referred to the Ligurian coast of Italy and later became a glamorous label for resort coastlines worldwide.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*rei-
“To flow or run; a reconstructed root associated with movement of water.”
Classical Latin
Latin
rīpa
“A bank, shore, or edge of a river.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
rīpāria
“A riverbank region or territory along a river.”
13th–14th Century
Italian
riviera
“A shore or coastal district, especially the Ligurian coast.”
18th Century
English
Riviera
“The Mediterranean coastal region of southeastern France and northwestern Italy.”
Modern English
English
riviera
“Any fashionable, scenic resort coastline, often used generically.”