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A gondola is a small long, narrow boat with a high bow and stern, best known for its use in the canals of Venice.

In Venice the gondola is usually propelled by one or two oarsmen (known as gondoliers) who stand facing the bow. Contrary to popular belief the gondola is never poled. The waters of Venice are much too deep for that. A gondola for passengers has a small open cabin, 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.

Gondolas are not symmetrical. They are curved to compensate for the oar being on one side and the gondolier standing on the other.

The oar, also known as a remo, is held in an oar lock known as a forcole'. The ornament on the front of the boat is called the Fero. The prongs of the Fero symbolize the different parts of Venice, Italy.

The term "gondola" also refers to a type of railroad car used by rail companies to transport heavy bulk materials over the railroad system