noun
Uncommon
gill
gihl
Gill (noun) means the breathing organ on the side of a fish or other water-dwelling animal, used to take oxygen from the water. Example: “You can tell a fish is fresh if its gills are bright red rather than brown.”
noun
1
The breathing organ on the side of a fish or other water-dwelling animal, used to take oxygen from the water.
"You can tell a fish is fresh if its gills are bright red rather than brown."
"The gills lifted and closed as the fish struggled on the line."
2
One of the thin, blade-like ridges under a mushroom cap that release its spores.
"She checked the colour of the gills to help identify the mushroom."
"Pale gills under the cap are a sign that this mushroom is young."
"Spores fall from the gills when the mushroom is ripe."
3
A small unit of liquid measure for spirits, roughly a quarter of a pint (the exact amount varies by country).
"The old recipe called for a gill of brandy."
"The landlord poured a gill of whisky for each of the farmers."
"An old pub menu offered rum by the gill."
verb
1
To remove the gills and guts from a fish while preparing it.
"He gilled and scaled the trout right at the riverbank."
"Always gill the fish before you cook it, then rinse it well."
"My uncle showed me how to gill a mackerel with a small knife."
How to use gill
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishUsually the breathing part of a fish; less commonly, a small liquid measure or a mushroom's spore ridges.
Common mistake
When it means the liquid measure, it is pronounced "jill", not with a hard G like the fish part.
Common pairings
red gills
gills of a mushroom
a gill of whisky
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Word forms
- Plural
- gills
- Third person singular
- gills
- Past tense
- gilled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You can tell a fish is fresh if its _____ are bright red rather than brown.
Etymology
From a Middle English word for the fish organ, related to Old Norse and Scandinavian words for gills or lips — not connected to the given name Gill, which is a short form of Julian or Gillian.
Synonyms
View more →
lamella
branchia
Related words
Rhymes for gill
See all rhymes for gill →Frequently asked questions
What does “gill” mean?
The word “gill” means the breathing organ on the side of a fish or other water-dwelling animal, used to take oxygen from the water. In plain terms, usually the breathing part of a fish; less commonly, a small liquid measure or a mushroom's spore ridges.
How do you pronounce “gill”?
“Gill” is pronounced gihl (/ɡɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “gill” in a sentence?
Here is “gill” used in a sentence: “You can tell a fish is fresh if its gills are bright red rather than brown.”
What is another word for “gill”?
Words with a similar meaning to “gill” include branchia.
What part of speech is “gill”?
Depending on how it is used, “gill” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “gill” come from?
The word “gill” comes from Middle English. From a Middle English word for the fish organ, related to Old Norse and Scandinavian words for gills or lips — not connected to the given name Gill, which is a short form of Julian or Gillian.
Is “gill” a common word?
“Gill” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “gill” have?
“Gill” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the breathing organ on the side of a fish or other water-dwelling animal, used to take oxygen from the water.
Why is "gill" pronounced differently depending on its meaning?
When "gill" refers to the breathing organ of a fish or the ridges under a mushroom cap, it is typically pronounced with a hard "g" as in "give." When it refers to the small unit of liquid measure for spirits, it is usually pronounced with a soft "g," rhyming with "Jill." The spelling stays the same but pronunciation shifts by meaning.
What is the difference between gilling a fish and filleting it?
To gill a fish means specifically to remove its gills and guts while preparing it, whereas filleting means removing the flesh from the bones in strips. Gilling is typically an early preparation step, while filleting is a separate step for portioning the meat.
How much liquid is a gill?
A gill is a small traditional unit of liquid measure for spirits, roughly a quarter of a pint, though the exact amount can vary by country. It is a much smaller measure than a full pint or cup.
What are the gills of a mushroom?
The gills of a mushroom are the thin, blade-like ridges found under its cap that release the mushroom's spores. They are a key feature used to identify mushroom species.
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