gunwale

noun

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:

Examples of gunwale 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.
Although the video does include a rig that involves drilling a mast beam (or thwart) into the canoe’s upper hull edge ( or gunwales), there is also a route that instead uses clamps. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 2 July 2026 Where the Battle of the Gullet struggles isn’t to do with how handmade the gunwales are, nor how battered the oars. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 24 June 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 Icy water began crashing over the gunwale, causing the boat to flip like a toy. Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gunwale

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

gunwale

noun
gun·​wale
variants also gunnel
: the upper edge of a ship's side

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