tombolo

[ tom-buh-loh ]

noun

, plural tom·bo·los.

1. a sandbar connecting an island to the mainland or to another island.

tombolo

/ ˈtɒmbəˌləʊ /

noun

1. a narrow sand or shingle bar linking a small island with another island or the mainland

tombolo

/ tŏm′bə-lō′ /

1. A sand or gravel bar that connects an island to the mainland or to another island.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tombolo¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; from Italian, from Latin tumulus “mound, swelling”; tumulus

Word History and Origins

Origin of tombolo¹

C20: from Italian, from Latin tumulus mound; see tumulus

Example Sentences

On the east coast in Abruzzo, L’Aquila-based artisan Simona Iannini used a special lace technique called tombolo aquilano, practised in the 1400s by Benedictine nuns, to make hers.

From The Guardian

They wore bright green silk pants printed with fields of wildflowers, and wisps of chiffon bristling with lace versions of the same, made in a local style called Tombolo.

From New York Times

“It’s pretty nerve-racking to make decisions as business owners, and to not know if it’s dangerous or safe,” said Alsace Walentine, the owner of Tombolo Books in St. Petersburg, Fla., which is allowing customers inside by appointment only.

From New York Times

The least-glamorous of the island’s retreats, Decatur Head is a tombolo connected by a spit to the rest of the island.

From Seattle Times

Recent storms have made the tombolo weaker, so currents are increasing within the lagoon, but the beach still remains a safe bet for families.

From Seattle Times