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Definition of valparaiso

valparaiso

/ˌvæl.pəˈraɪ.zoʊ/
val · pa · rai · so

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valparaiso Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A major port city and cultural hub in central Chile, located on the Pacific coast of South America, renowned for its steep funiculars, colorful cliffside architecture, and historic maritime significance.

Example

"The poet Pablo Neruda maintained a famous home in Valparaiso, enjoying spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean."


2

American A city in northwestern Indiana, United States, situated southeast of Chicago and known primarily as the home of Valparaiso University.

Example

"She decided to study meteorology at a private university located in Valparaiso, Indiana."

• Rhymes for valparaiso

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Spanish 'Valparaíso', which literally translates to 'Paradise Valley' (valle paraíso). The prominent Chilean city was named in 1536 by the Spanish explorer Juan de Saavedra after his native village in Spain.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Valparaiso. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/valparaiso
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