Meaning & use

gunwale

noun·Advanced

The upper edge of the side of a boat or ship.

See it in a sentence

Waves splashed over the gunwale as the small boat rocked in the storm.

He leaned against the gunwale to cast his fishing line into the lake.

A note on using this word

Gunwale is traditionally pronounced 'GUN-uhl,' with the 'w' silent, a common surprise for new sailors.

Words with a similar meaning

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