noun

gunnel

A small, elongated fish living near the shore.

A small gunnel slips between the rocks in shallow water.

Etymology

The fish name has an uncertain deeper origin. It is an established name for the elongated coastal fish, not a transparent description assembled from gun and an ending.

More examples

  • We spot several gunnels in a tide pool.
  • The gunnel has a long, narrow body.
  • A gunnel hides beneath seaweed near the shore.

Forms

gunnel · gunnels