Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Gondola \Gon"do*la\, n. (A["e]ronautics)
   An elongated car under a dirigible.

Gondola \Gon"do*la\, n. [It., dim. of gonda a gondola; cf. LL.
   gandeia a kind of boat, Gr. ? a drinking vessel; said to be a
   Persian word; cf. F. gondole gondola, cup.]
   1. 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.

   2. A flat-bottomed boat for freight. [U. S.]

   3. A long platform car, either having no sides or with very
      low sides, used on railroads. [U. S.]

Source : WordNet®

gondola
     n 1: a low flat-bottomed freight car with fixed sides but no roof
          [syn: {gondola car}]
     2: long narrow flat-bottomed boat propelled by sculling;
        traditionally used on canals of Venice
     3: car suspended from an airship and carrying personnel and
        cargo and power plant [syn: {car}]