- a variation of gunwale.
gunnel
1 Americannoun
noun
noun
noun
Etymology
Origin of gunnel1
First recorded in 1680–90; origin uncertain
Origin of gunnel2
1425–75; Middle English. See gunwale
Vocabulary lists containing gunnel
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She was deeply slouched and holding on to the gunnel with both her hands, her head sunk very low between her arms.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
![]()
“Lights’re all on,” observed Art, one foot on the Susan Marie's gunnel.
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, the hose still in his hand, was standing beside the port gunnel staring at the dying gull when Art Moran and Abel Martinson appeared beside his boat, both carrying flashlights.
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
![]()
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.