Gunwale: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ถ
gunwale
[ หษกษnษl ]
nautical term
The gunwale is the upper edge of the side of a boat or ship. It is an essential structural element that provides strength and stability to the hull. Gunwales can be made from various materials, including wood, metal, or fiberglass. This part of the vessel is typically where the sides of the boat meet the deck, helping to contain water and provide a place for securing additional equipment. In certain types of boats, such as canoes or kayaks, the gunwale can also serve as a mounting point for seats or other accessories.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The boat's gunwale was lined with fishing gear.
- He leaned against the gunwale to enjoy the view.
- Make sure to secure your gear to the gunwale before setting out on the water.
Translations
Translations of the word "gunwale" in other languages:
๐ต๐น borda do barco
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคจเคตเฅเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Relingsrand
๐ฎ๐ฉ tepi kapal
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะพััะธะบ
๐ต๐ฑ burt
๐ฏ๐ต ใฌใณใฆใงใคใซ
๐ซ๐ท panneau de bateau
๐ช๐ธ banda del barco
๐น๐ท gรผverte kenarฤฑ
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ฑด์จ์ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุญุงูุฉ ุงููุงุฑุจ
๐จ๐ฟ burt lodi
๐ธ๐ฐ okraj lode
๐จ๐ณ ่น่พน
๐ธ๐ฎ rob ฤolna
๐ฎ๐ธ bakkar bรกtsins
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะบะตะผะฟััะดัาฃ ัะตัะบั ะฑำฉะปัะณั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแ แแแ แฏแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qayฤฑq kษnarฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ banda de barco
Word origin
The term 'gunwale' comes from a compound of the words 'gun' and 'wale.' Historically, 'wale' refers to the uppermost planking on a ship's side, which is reinforced and considered a structural part of the hull. The inclusion of 'gun' in the term dates back to the era when warships were equipped with cannons. The gunwale, therefore, was originally the area where cannon ports were placed, allowing the cannons to protrude out of the side of the ship. As maritime warfare evolved and ship designs changed, the term became more generalized. By the 19th century, 'gunwale' was commonly used in boating and maritime contexts regardless of the presence of artillery, emphasizing its structural and functional importance in boat design.