caravel Definition
- 1a small, fast Spanish or Portuguese sailing ship of the 15th–17th centuries.
- 2a light, fast sailing ship used by the Portuguese and Spanish in the exploration of the Atlantic and Indian oceans in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Using caravel: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "caravel" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The caravel was a popular ship for exploration in the 15th century.
Example
The Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama sailed to India on a caravel.
Example
The caravel was a small but fast ship that could navigate shallow waters.
caravel Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with caravel
Example
The Portuguese navy used caravels of the line in their battles against other European powers.
lateen-rigged caravel
a type of caravel with triangular sails
Example
The lateen-rigged caravel was particularly well-suited for sailing in the Mediterranean.
Example
The round caravel was a popular ship for exploration in the 15th century.
Origins of caravel
from Portuguese 'caravela', from Late Latin 'carabus', from Arabic 'qārib', meaning 'fast ship'
Summary: caravel in Brief
A 'caravel' [ˈkarəvɛl] is a small, fast sailing ship used by the Portuguese and Spanish in the exploration of the Atlantic and Indian oceans in the 15th and 16th centuries. It was particularly well-suited for navigating shallow waters and was used extensively in exploration. The caravel comes in different types, such as the lateen-rigged caravel and the round caravel.
