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

Other Word Forms

• 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

These flies and brine shrimp are essential food for migratory birds including eared grebes, Wilson’s phalaropes and California gulls.

From Los Angeles Times

On a recent morning, Miller steered a motorboat to the islands where gulls nest.

From Los Angeles Times

A gull has taken revenge on a man who was installing anti-bird spikes in a Cornish town - by drinking his coffee and pinching his mug.

From BBC

The largest number expected to be killed are kittiwakes followed by gannets and herring gulls.

From BBC

An enormous cloud of gulls billowed and swooped around the charred waste.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dupe 
• fool 
• mark 
• patsy 
• pigeon