gunnel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Nautical, Zoology
Quick answer
What does “gunnel” mean?
The upper edge or plank of the side of a boat or ship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The upper edge or plank of the side of a boat or ship.
A term also used for any of a family (Pholidae) of small, elongated, often eel-like fishes that live in coastal waters.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage for either sense. The pronunciation differs slightly.
Connotations
Purely technical/descriptive for both senses.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily encountered in specific contexts (boating, marine biology).
Grammar
How to Use “gunnel” in a Sentence
The [noun] rested on the gunnel.Water poured over the gunnel.He gripped the gunnel tightly.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in technical papers on naval architecture or marine biology.
Everyday
Rare, except among boaters or anglers.
Technical
Standard term in nautical and ichthyological fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gunnel”
- Misspelling as 'gunwhale'. Confusing it with 'funnel'. Using it in general contexts where 'side' or 'edge' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'gunwale' is the more common and historically accurate spelling for the nautical term, though 'gunnel' is a widely accepted variant.
No, 'gunnel' is only a noun in both its nautical and zoological senses.
Context is key. If the text is about boats or the sea, it's the nautical term. If it's about fish or marine life, it refers to the eel-like fish.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. Most learners will encounter it only in specific technical or hobbyist contexts.
The upper edge or plank of the side of a boat or ship.
Gunnel is usually technical, nautical, zoology in register.
Gunnel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌn(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌn(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GUN resting on the NEL (knell) of a ship's side—the GUN-NEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BOUNDARY or LIMIT (between the safety of the boat and the external environment).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'gunnel'?