Dictionary

gunwale

noun gun·wale \ˈgə-n^əl\

: the upper edge of a ship's or boat's side

Full Definition of GUNWALE

: the upper edge of a ship's or boat's side

— to the gunwales

: as full as possible

See gunwale defined for English-language learners

See gunwale defined for kids

gun·wale also gun·nel \ˈgə-n^əl\

Middle English gonne-wale, from gonne gun + ¹wale; from its former use as a support for guns

First Known Use: 15th century

GUNWALE Defined for Kids

noun gun·wale \ˈgə-n^əl\

: the upper edge of a ship's side

Next Word in the Dictionary: gunyahPrevious Word in the Dictionary: guntubAll Words Near: gunwale

What made you want to look up gunwale? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears