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

Massive winter waves exploded against rocks, sea lions barked and squawking gulls joined the symphony.

From Los Angeles Times

The most commonly struck birds were waterfowl, raptors and gulls.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead of being adored, gulls tend to be more of a punchline.

From Salon

The issue is not so much what AI can do, but how users can be gulled into thinking what it can do.

From Los Angeles Times

But for gulls — sometimes erroneously called “seagulls,” though they are not exclusive to the ocean — they are described as nuisances and pests, which experts say couldn’t be further from the truth.

From Salon

Related Words

• dupe
• fool
• mark
• patsy
• pigeon