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Definition of gelato
gelato
/dʒəˈlɑːtoʊ/
ge · la · to
Plural:gelatos
gelato Lexical Profile
CEFR
B1
Grade
5
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
gelato Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A rich, dense style of Italian ice cream made with milk, cream, sugar, and various flavorings such as fruit or nut purees.
Example
"We stopped at a small shop in Rome to enjoy some pistachio gelato before continuing our walking tour."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although often used interchangeably with standard American ice cream, authentic gelato is distinct due to its lower butterfat content, slower churning process (resulting in less whipped air), and slightly warmer serving temperature, which gives it a denser texture.
• Rhymes for gelato
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Italian 'gelato' (meaning 'frozen'), the past participle of 'gelare' (to freeze), which derives from the Latin 'gelu' (frost, cold).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gelato. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 15, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gelato