gull: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Noun: Neutral/Formal (biological contexts). Verb: Literary/Formal. Archaic noun: Obsolete.
Quick answer
What does “gull” mean?
A seabird, typically medium to large in size, with white or grey plumage, long wings, and webbed feet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A seabird, typically medium to large in size, with white or grey plumage, long wings, and webbed feet.
1. (verb) To deceive or trick someone, especially by persuasion or flattery. 2. (rare/archaic noun) A person who is easily deceived; a dupe.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference for the bird. The verb 'to gull' is equally rare in both varieties. The phrase 'seagull' is more common in everyday speech than 'gull' alone in both, but 'gull' is the standard ornithological term.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
The noun (bird) is moderately frequent in coastal/regional contexts. The verb is very low frequency.
Grammar
How to Use “gull” in a Sentence
to gull someone (out of something)to be gulled into (doing) somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gull” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The con artist gulled the tourists out of hundreds of pounds with his fake lottery ticket.
- She felt gulled into signing the contract without proper legal advice.
American English
- The scam was designed to gull elderly investors into buying worthless stock.
- He realized he'd been gulled by their smooth talk and false promises.
adverb
British English
- None.
American English
- None.
adjective
British English
- No standard adjectival form. 'Gull-like' is possible.
American English
- No standard adjectival form. 'Gull-like' is possible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biology/zoology texts for the bird. The verb may appear in literary analysis.
Everyday
Primarily the noun for the bird, especially in coastal areas. The verb is rare.
Technical
Ornithology: standard term for birds in the family Laridae.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gull”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gull”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gull”
- Using 'gull' as a common verb in modern conversation sounds archaic. Using 'seagull' in precise scientific writing is considered informal.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Seagull' is very common in everyday speech, but 'gull' is the correct standard term in ornithology and formal writing. There is no single species called a 'seagull'.
It is understood but very rare and literary. Words like 'trick', 'deceive', 'dupe', or 'con' are far more common in modern usage.
The verb comes from an obsolete noun 'gull' meaning 'an unfledged bird' or 'a silly person' (mid-16th century), which was then applied to the easily-caught bird. The meanings merged, with the bird's name reinforcing the idea of simplicity.
Yes, there are many species, e.g., herring gull, black-headed gull, lesser black-backed gull, ivory gull. They vary in size, colour, and habitat.
A seabird, typically medium to large in size, with white or grey plumage, long wings, and webbed feet.
Gull is usually noun: neutral/formal (biological contexts). verb: literary/formal. archaic noun: obsolete. in register.
Gull: in British English it is pronounced /ɡʌl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡʌl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common. Archaic: 'A gull for punishment' (a glutton for punishment).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'The noisy GULL at the seaside tried to GULL me out of my chips.' The bird and the trick are the same word.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS FOWL PLAY. The gullible person is portrayed as a simple bird, easily caught.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gull' LEAST likely to be used?