Gunwale definition

gŭnəl
gunwales
See word origin
Frequency:
(nautical) The top edge of the hull of a nautical vessel, where it meets the deck.
noun
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0
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

Gunwale Sentence Examples

  • The boat has a high gunwale with a nice step to help you get over the side.

  • Except for the trireme none of these galleys had outriggers they were all worked over the gunwale.

  • Earnest's center gunwale fender eye was securely locked up on a long chain to a mooring ring.

  • She was already loaded almost to the gunwale; to the water edge.

  • The upper edge of the sheer strake is the gunwale.

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Also Mentioned In

Words near gunwale in the Dictionary