gunnel

1 of 3

noun (1)

gun·​nel

less common spelling of gunwale

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

gunnel

2 of 3

noun (2)

gun·​nel ˈgə-nᵊl How to pronounce gunnel (audio)
: a small slimy eellike bony fish (Pholis gunnellus) of the North Atlantic
broadly : any fish of the family (Pholidae) to which the gunnel belongs

gunwale

3 of 3

noun (3)

gun·​wale ˈgə-nᵊl How to pronounce gunwale (audio)
variants or less commonly gunnel
: the upper edge of a ship's or boat's side
see also:
to the gunwales

Examples of gunnel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
My line went taut, and then the rig danced down the gunnel like a sewing machine needle toward the motor. — Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 10 June 2023 Young then reached his right hand into the water and guided the boys arms onto the starboard gunnel. — Paul A. Smith, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 29 June 2021
Noun
Icy water began crashing over the gunwale, causing the boat to flip like a toy. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 The large stage in the center of the arena unfolds to become a trireme spurting fire from its gunwales. — Nat Segnit, Harpers Magazine, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunnel

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

origin unknown

Noun (3)

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

First Known Use

Noun (2)

1740, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gunnel was in the 15th century

Rhymes for gunnel

See All Rhymes for gunnel

Browse Nearby Words

Gunn effect
gunnel
gunnen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Gunnel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gunnel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gunnel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gunnel

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