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

It’s been a long, hot day, and I know I smell just like the fish guts being picked at by the gulls.

From Literature

He also made the case for other intelligent and "under-appreciated" animals, such as foxes and gulls to feature on the new series of banknotes.

From BBC

Then he comes back about 5pm, when the shop closes and gets another few – he won't let any other gull come near here, as this is his patch.

From BBC

The chivalrous puffin lost himself in imagining his heroic death, unaware that the great black-backed gull had descended from the sky.

From Literature

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

Related Words

• dupe
• fool
• mark
• patsy
• pigeon