a long, narrow boat with a high prow and stern, used in the canals of venice. a gondola is usually propelled by one or two oarsmen who stand facing the prow, or by poling. a gondola for passengers has a small open cabin amidships, for their protection against the sun or rain. a sumptuary law of venice required that gondolas should be painted black, and they are customarily so painted now.-a flat-bottomed boat for freight.-a long platform car, either having no sides or with very low sides, used on railroads.