gull
18 synonyms for gull, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A seabird, typically gray or white, common along coasts and often seen scavenging for food.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A seabird, typically gray or white, common along coasts and often seen scavenging for food.
“Gulls circled the fishing boat, waiting for scraps.”
Etymology
From Middle English gulle, from a Brythonic Celtic word for "seagull," related to Welsh gwylan.
Full origin of gull →Frequently asked questions
What does “gull” mean?
The word “gull” means a seabird, typically gray or white, common along coasts and often seen scavenging for food. In plain terms, a coastal bird, or (older usage) someone easily fooled, or the act of tricking them.
How do you pronounce “gull”?
“Gull” is pronounced GUHL (/ˈɡʌl/ in IPA).
How do you use “gull” in a sentence?
Here is “gull” used in a sentence: “Gulls circled the fishing boat, waiting for scraps.”
What part of speech is “gull”?
Depending on how it is used, “gull” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gull” come from?
The word “gull” comes from Middle English. From Middle English gulle, from a Brythonic Celtic word for "seagull," related to Welsh gwylan.
How many meanings does “gull” have?
“Gull” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a seabird, typically gray or white, common along coasts and often seen scavenging for food.
