jangada

noun

jan·​ga·​da
janˈgädə,
-aŋˈ-
plural -s
: a raft made of logs of light wood with a sail, seat, steering oar, and dagger boards and used by fishermen along the northeast coast of Brazil

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese, from Tamil caṅkaṭam or Malayalam caṅṅāṭam, from Sanskrit saṁghāta joining of timber, union

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near jangada

Cite this Entry

“Jangada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jangada. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!