esplanade
esplanade Lexical Profile
esplanade Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A long, open, level area, typically beside the sea or a river, along which people may walk or drive for pleasure.
"Families strolled along the tree-lined esplanade overlooking the harbor at sunset."
American A grassy or landscaped strip separating the opposing lanes of a divided highway or boulevard.
"The city planted native wildflowers along the wide esplanade in the center of the avenue."
An open, level space separating a fortress or citadel from the surrounding town, originally kept clear to deny cover to approaching attackers.
"During the annual festival, performers gathered on the historic stone esplanade just outside the castle walls."
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from French 'esplanade', via Italian 'spianata' or Spanish 'explanada', ultimately from Latin 'explanare' meaning 'to level or make plain'. Originally a military fortification term for a cleared, open space outside a citadel that left attackers exposed.