Gunwale definition

gŭnəl

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(nautical) The top edge of the hull of a nautical vessel, where it meets the deck.

noun

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The upper edge of the side of a vessel.

noun

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1

The upper edge of the side of a ship or boat.

noun

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1

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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:

gunwale

Plural:

gunwales

Origin of gunwale

So called because guns were mounted on it

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Middle English gonnewalle, itself from gonne (“gun”) + wale, as it used to support the ship's guns; equivalent to gun +‎ wale.

From Wiktionary