presepe

nativity scene

noun preh-ZEH-peh Rare

Origin: Latin praesaepe (manger, enclosure)

Also means

manger, crib

Usage Note

Presepe refers to the traditional Christmas nativity display — whether a grand village-style scene or a simple crib. The plural is regular: i presepi. In southern Italy the craft tradition is especially strong; Naples (Napoli) is famous for its elaborate presepi with terracotta figurines. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with presepio (same meaning, also masculine).

Examples

"Il presepe è allestito sotto l'albero."

Natural Translation

The nativity scene is set up under the tree.

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