Dahabiyehs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of ornate, traditional wooden boat commonly found on the Nile that is used for leisure and tourism
2. These vessels are often characterized by their luxurious interiors and are popular for cruises
3. Typically, they feature large sails and beautifully decorated hulls, providing a unique way to experience the river's scenery

Etymology: "Dahabiyehs" is the plural of "dahabiyeh", a traditional wooden sailing boat of the Nile, with a cabin and a large lateen sail. The singular comes from Arabic, and the plural follows the usual English pattern of adding an "s" to the noun. Because the word is a loan from Arabic, its spelling in English varies, and the "-yeh" ending reflects the way Egyptian Arabic pronounces the final feminine sound. Travellers in the nineteenth century, when Nile cruising became fashionable, adopted the term to name the vessels they hired for trips up the river.