Gazebo

/ɡəˈziːboʊ/ noun

Definition

A small, open-sided building, often in a garden or park, used for sitting, relaxing, or enjoying the view.

Etymology

Probably invented in 18th‑century English as a playful fake-Latin word from *gaze* + a Latin-style ending *-ebo* (“I shall”). It was meant to sound fancy and classical, as if it meant “I shall gaze.” The joke stuck, and the word became standard.

Kelly Says

‘Gazebo’ is basically a language joke that escaped and became real. It literally means something like “I will gaze” — a building whose whole purpose is to stand there and let you look at things. It’s architecture named after what your eyes do.

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