Gunnel - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A gunnel is the upper edge of a boat's side, providing structural support and preventing water from entering. It can also refer to a small, slender fish found in coastal waters.
Definition:
The upper edge of the side of a boat or ship.
Synonyms:
gunwale, bulwark, railing
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
keel, hull
Common Collocations:
boat gunnel, ship gunnel, wooden gunnel
Derivatives:
gunnels (plural), gunneled (adjective)
Usage Tips:
Use "gunnel" to refer to the top edge of a boat's side where it meets the deck.
Common Phrases:
over the gunnel, up to the gunnel, along the gunnel
Etymology:
Derived from Middle English "gonne-wale," meaning "gun ridge," as it was used to support guns on ships.
Examples:
- 1. The fisherman leaned against the gunnel while casting his line.
- 2. Water splashed over the gunnel during the storm.
- 3. She painted the boat's gunnel bright red for visibility.
- 4. The crew secured ropes along the gunnel before docking.