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Definition of gunwale

gunwale

/ˈɡʌn.əl/
gun · wale
Plural:gunwales
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gunwale Lexical Profile

gunwale Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

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

Example

"Cold seawater splashed over the gunwale as the small fishing boat navigated the choppy waves."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gunwale

Word Nuance & Usage

Although spelled 'gunwale', it is traditionally pronounced 'gunnel' (rhyming with 'funnel'), reflecting its historical maritime usage.

• Rhymes for gunwale

• Nearby Words

gunnel
gunnera
gunpowder
gunwale
guppy
gurnard
gusset

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'gonne' (gun) and 'wale' (plank or ridge), originally referring to the reinforced upper timber on a ship's side that supported the heavy weight of the ship's guns.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gunwale. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gunwale
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