gull

¹ American  

[guhl] / gʌl /

noun

1. any of numerous long-winged, web-toed, aquatic birds of the family Laridae, having usually white plumage with a gray back and wings.

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gull ² American  

[guhl] / gʌl /

verb (used with object)

1. to deceive, trick, or cheat.

   Synonyms:

   hoodwink, bamboozle, fool, dupe, cozen

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noun

1. a person who is easily deceived or cheated; dupe.

gull ¹ British  

/ ɡʌl /

noun

1. a person who is easily fooled or cheated

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verb

1. (tr) to fool, cheat, or hoax

gull ² British  

/ ɡʌl /

noun

1. any aquatic bird of the genus Larus and related genera, such as L. canus ( common gull or mew ) having long pointed wings, short legs, and a mostly white plumage: family Laridae, order Charadriiformes

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Other Word Forms

• gull-like adjective

Etymology

Origin of gull¹

1400–50; late Middle English gulle, perhaps < Welsh gŵylan, Cornish guilan (compare French goéland < Breton gwelan )

Origin of gull²

First recorded in 1540–50; perhaps akin to obsolete gull to swallow, guzzle

Example Sentences

In a recent expedition to Antarctica, new cases were discovered in Antarctic cormorants, kelp gulls, Adelie and gentoo penguins, and Antarctic fur seals, Neira told AFP.

From Barron's

Two more gulls flew past, and then a frigate bird.

From Literature

"It is the rubbish that we throw down that has brought the gulls to the city," said Oliver Carpenter, the man behind the project.

From BBC

Skuas are large brown seabirds related to gulls that live mainly in polar and subpolar regions.

From Science Daily

The waves lapped a rhythmic accompaniment and, far in the distance, a sea gull cried.

From Literature

Related Words

• dupe
• fool
• mark
• patsy
• pigeon