gull

¹

[ guhl ]

noun

1. any of numerous long-winged, web-toed, aquatic birds of the family Laridae, having usually white plumage with a gray back and wings.

gull

²

[ guhl ]

verb (used with object)

1. to deceive, trick, or cheat.

   Synonyms: hoodwink, bamboozle, fool, dupe, cozen

noun

1. a person who is easily deceived or cheated; dupe.

gull

¹

/ ɡʌl /

noun

1. a person who is easily fooled or cheated

verb

1. tr to fool, cheat, or hoax

gull

²

/ ɡʌl /

noun

1. any aquatic bird of the genus Larus and related genera, such as L. canus ( common gull or mew ) having long pointed wings, short legs, and a mostly white plumage: family Laridae, order Charadriiformes larine

Derived Forms

• ˈgull-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• gull-like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gull¹

1400–50; late Middle English gulle, perhaps < Welsh gŵylan, Cornish guilan (compare French goéland < Breton gwelan )

Origin of gull²

First recorded in 1540–50; perhaps akin to obsolete gull to swallow, guzzle

Word History and Origins

Origin of gull¹

C16: perhaps from dialect gull unfledged bird, probably from gul, from Old Norse gulr yellow

Origin of gull²

C15: of Celtic origin; compare Welsh gwylan

Example Sentences

The Herring gull, the species most people probably associate with “seagulls,” was nearly wiped out along the Atlantic coast.

From Salon

The Ring-billed Gull faced near extinction.

From Salon

In contrast to societal views that gulls are overabundant, gull populations are declining in parts of America, Canada and the U.K.

From Salon

Herring gull populations declined around 76% in North America since 1966.

From Salon

Global great black-backed gull populations have almost halved since 1985.

From Salon

Related Words

• dupe
• fool
• mark
• patsy
• pigeon