# gunwale

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɡʌnəl/

## Definitions
1. The top edge of the hull of a nautical vessel, where it meets the deck.

## Etymology
From Middle English gonnewalle, itself from gonne (“gun”) + wale, as it used to support the ship's guns; equivalent to gun + wale.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/gunwale