Noun

Singular promenade

Plural promenades

promenade (plural promenades)

1. Formal term for a prom, a dance.
2. A place to walk.
3. A dance motion consisting of a walk done while square dancing.

Related terms

• esplanade

Verb

Infinitive to promenade

Third person singular promenades

Simple past promenaded

Past participle promenaded

Present participle promenading

to promenade (third-person singular simple present promenades, present participle promenading, simple past and past participle promenaded)

1. To walk.
2. To perform the stylized walk of a square dance.

Derived terms

• promenader (agent noun)

An esplanade is a long, open, level area, usually next to a river or large body of water, where people may walk. This allows people to promenade along the sea front, usually for recreational purposes, whatever the state of the tide, without having to walk on the beach. Esplanades became popular in Victorian times when it was fashionable to visit seaside resorts.

The original meaning of esplanade was a large, open, level area outside fortress or city walls to provide clear fields of fire for the fortress against incoming infantry or artillery. Esplanade and promenade are sometimes used interchangeably, but that is a mistake. A promenade can be anywhere, and it is exclusively for walking, while an esplanade is for walking but also can include large boulevards or avenues with cars. A Promenade, often abbreviated to '(The) Prom', was an area where people - couples and families especially - would go to walk for a while in order to 'be seen' and be considered part of 'society'.

A similar term with the same meaning in the eastern coastal region of Spain is rambla, but more widely referred to as paseo marítimo (esplanade), paseo (promenade) or explanada (esplanade) in the Hispanic world.

Examples of esplanades