gnarl
1[ nahrl ]
/ nɑrl /
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noun
a knotty protuberance on a tree; knot.
verb (used with object)
to twist into a knotted or distorted form.
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Origin of gnarl
1First recorded in 1805–15; back formation from gnarled
Other definitions for gnarl (2 of 2)
gnarl2
[ nahrl ]
/ nɑrl /
verb (used without object)
to growl; snarl.
Origin of gnarl
2First recorded in 1585–95; variant of gnar
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use gnarl in a sentence
And he saith back o' his clamped teeth, like as 'twere a dog gnarling in his throat, "curse ye for a false jade!"
A Brother To Dragons and Other Old-time Tales|Amelie RivesGnarling sorrow hath less power to bite / The man that mocks at it and sets it light.
Rest assured I shall have my eye upon the gnarling scoundrels.
Rookwood|William Harrison Ainsworth
British Dictionary definitions for gnarl (1 of 2)
gnarl1
/ (nɑːl) /
noun
any knotty protuberance or swelling on a tree
verb
(tr) to knot or cause to knot
Word Origin for gnarl
C19: back formation from gnarled, probably variant of knurled; see knurl
British Dictionary definitions for gnarl (2 of 2)
gnarl2
gnar (nɑː)
/ (nɑːl) /
verb
(intr) obsolete to growl or snarl
Word Origin for gnarl
C16: of imitative origin
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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