Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Gull Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ
Add to dictionary

gull

[ษกสŒl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bird

A gull is a seabird of the family Laridae, known for its long wings, loud call, and scavenging habits. Gulls are often found near coastlines and are opportunistic feeders, eating a wide variety of food including fish, garbage, and insects.

Synonyms

marine bird, sea bird, seagull.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
gull

This word repeats because there is no change in spelling or meaning. It still refers to the bird species commonly seen near the sea.

  • Gulls can be quite aggressive when defending their nests.
  • A flock of gulls followed the fishing boat, hoping for a meal.
seagull

Colloquial term specifically referring to gulls that are commonly found near sea and coastal areas. This term is widely recognized and used in everyday conversation.

  • The seagulls at the beach were quite noisy and kept trying to steal our food.
  • You can always count on seagulls being around when you're near the ocean.
sea bird

Used more commonly in everyday language, similar to 'marine bird,' to describe birds that inhabit or frequent sea environments.

  • On our trip to the coast, we saw many different types of sea birds.
  • Sea birds, such as gulls and albatrosses, are fascinating to watch.
marine bird

Used in a more scientific or formal context to describe birds that live primarily around seas and oceans.

  • Marine birds are often indicators of the health of the marine ecosystem.
  • Researchers are studying the migration patterns of various marine birds.

Examples of usage

  • The gull soared gracefully over the ocean, searching for fish.
  • The noisy gulls fought over the scraps of food left on the beach.
  • The white gull stood out against the grey sky.
  • The hungry gull swooped down to catch a fish near the dock.
  • The gull's call echoed across the bay.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Gulls often appear in movies and cartoons, depicted as quirky or mischievous characters, especially in beach settings.
  • In literature, gulls symbolize freedom and the longing for adventure, seen in works like 'The Seagull' by Anton Chekhov.
  • In some cultures, gulls are viewed as pests due to their scavenging behavior, while in others, they are celebrated as symbols of the sea.

Environmental Science

  • Gulls are opportunistic feeders and can adapt their diet based on availability, showcasing their resilience in changing environments.
  • Some species of gulls practice intelligent foraging techniques, such as dropping shellfish onto rocks to crack them open.
  • Gulls are known to travel great distances and can live up to 30 years in the wild, highlighting their impressive adaptability.

Psychology

  • The term 'gullible' in psychology refers to a tendency to be easily deceived or tricked, paralleling the behavior of the bird stealing food.
  • Research shows that people who are gullible might have higher levels of trust, which can serve as both an advantage and a drawback in social settings.
  • The behavior of trapping prey by gulls can be likened to social tricks humans may use, demonstrating the evolutionary link between behaviors.

Cultural Significance

  • In many coastal communities, gulls are a part of daily life and are often associated with local folklore and superstitions.
  • Certain indigenous cultures regard gulls as messengers, believing they possess wisdom and insight from the sea.
  • Gulls often signify the changing of seasons and are considered indicators of environmental health in coastal ecosystems.

Origin of 'gull'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'gull' comes from the Middle English 'gulle', which means to scream, reflecting the bird's noisy nature.
  • Many believe it has roots in the Old Norse word 'gula', which also relates to the sound they make.
  • The term has been used since at least the 14th century, highlighting the bird's long presence in human culture.

The word 'gull' originates from the Old Norse word 'gaฬl' which means 'to scream or cry'. The term was first used in the 15th century to refer to these noisy seabirds. Gulls have long been associated with the sea and coastal areas, and their distinctive appearance and behavior have made them a familiar sight to people living near the ocean.

See also: gullet, gullible, gully, seagull.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,262, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.