gunnel

¹ American  

[guhn-l] / ˈgʌn l /

noun

1. any small eellike blenny of the family Pholididae (Pholidae), especially Pholis gunnellus rock gunnel, orbutterfish, common in shallow waters of the North Atlantic.

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gunnel ² American  

[guhn-l] / ˈgʌn l /

noun

Nautical.

1. gunwale.

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gunnel ¹ British  

/ ˈɡʌnəl /

noun

1. any eel-like blennioid fish of the family Pholidae, occurring in coastal regions of northern seas See also butterfish

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gunnel ² British  

/ ˈɡʌnəl /

noun

1. a variant spelling of gunwale

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Etymology

Origin of gunnel¹

First recorded in 1680–90; origin uncertain

Origin of gunnel²

1425–75; Middle English. See gunwale

Example Sentences

I pulled myself up and carefully peeped over the gunnel.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Kabuo brought his thermos into the cockpit, then sat on the port gunnel and sipped green tea, listening into the fog uneasily.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

He swallowed two with water from his belt canteen and peered out over the plywood gunnel with his helmet on but not strapped.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Kabuo watched while he peered up under the starboard gunnel at the long-handled gaff wedged against the wall.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

He tightened the belts, pressed his thumb against them, then went out once again and stood leaning against the port gunnel.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson