gull
gull Lexical Profile
gull Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A long-winged, web-footed seabird of the family Laridae, typically having white plumage with gray or black markings on the back and wings, often found near coastal or inland waters.
"Flocks of gulls gathered around the fishing boats as they returned to the harbor, hoping for scraps."
A person who is easily deceived, tricked, or cheated; a dupe.
"The scammer specifically targeted the elderly, seeing them as easy gulls for his investment fraud."
• verb
To deceive, trick, or cheat someone.
"They were gulled into handing over their life savings to an organization that did not actually exist."
Word Nuance & Usage
In ornithological and scientific contexts, 'gull' is the correct term, whereas the popular term 'seagull' is avoided because many species inhabit inland lakes, rivers, and agricultural areas.
• Rhymes for gull
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The noun for the bird derives from a Celtic source (compare Welsh 'gwylan'). The verb meaning 'to deceive', and the corresponding noun 'dupe', likely developed from the idea of a young, naive bird that will easily swallow anything it is fed.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.