Gon'dola (Ital.), a long narrow boat (averaging 30 feet by 4) used chiefly on the canals of Venice. The prow and stern taper to a point, and curve high out of the water. In the centre there may or may not be a curtained chamber for the occupants.
The boat is usually propelled by one man standing at the stern, by means of a large sweep very deftly and powerfully handled by the gondolier; or there may be another man at the bow. Immense sums were spent by the wealthy on the luxurious adornment of their gondolas, till in the 16th century sumptuary laws were passed, the consequence of which was that the ordinary gondola came to be of the plainest funereal black, with black cloth cushions and fittings—in Byron's phrase, 'just like a coffin clapp'd in a canoe.'