Gunwale: meaning, definitions and examples

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gunwale

 

[ หˆษกษ™nษ™l ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

edge, lip, rail

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น borda do barco

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคจเคตเฅ‡เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Relingsrand

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tepi kapal

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะพั€ั‚ะธะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ burt

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฌใƒณใ‚ฆใ‚งใ‚คใƒซ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท panneau de bateau

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ banda del barco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท gรผverte kenarฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ฑด์›จ์ผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุงูุฉ ุงู„ู‚ุงุฑุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ burt lodi

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ okraj lode

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ˆน่พน

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ rob ฤolna

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ bakkar bรกtsins

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตะผะฟั–ั€ะดั–าฃ ัˆะตั‚ะบั– ะฑำฉะปั–ะณั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒ— แƒ›แƒแƒ แƒฏแƒ•แƒ”แƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qayฤฑq kษ™narฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,245, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.