Search Dictionary
Definition of gunwale

gunwale

/ˈɡʌn.əl/
gun · wale
Plural:gunwales
JUMP TO:

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

gunsmith
gunsmithing
gunstock
gunwale
guppy
gurgle
gurgly

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 Nov 6, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gunwale
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.