A gunwale is a specific part of a boat's structure. It refers to the upper edge or planking of the side of a boat or ship that acts as a barrier to keep water, equipment, and individuals from going overboard. Derived from the nautical term "gun" and the old Norse term "wale" which means "ridge", the gunwale's original purpose was to support the ship's guns and act as a platform for the naval warfare. Over time, as warfare and shipbuilding technology advanced, the meaning of gunwale evolved to its contemporary definition. However, it still retains its traditional function as a key structural component contributing to the strength, stability, and shape of a water vessel.

1. As the boat rocked back and forth, the fisherman held on tightly to the gunwale to stabilize himself. 2. With one hand on the gunwale, the sailor managed to pull himself back aboard the vessel after slipping overboard. 3. Massive waves splashed against the gunwale of the ship, drenching the crew and passengers on deck. 4. The fisherman often set his rod down against the gunwale of the boat, allowing himself to sit back and wait for a catch. 5. The gunwale of the old wooden rowboat was covered with moss and lichen, showing clear signs of its years in the water.

The term "gunwale" originated from the phrase "gun wall." This was the term for the wall-like structure that was arrayed with cannons on historic warships. The gunwale was essentially this wall, but it has since come to mean the uppermost edge of the side of a boat. A fun fact about this is that despite its spelling, gunwale is commonly pronounced as "gunnel," which sounds very different from how it is spelled. This is because the maritime tradition has consistently and continuously evolved over time, including language and terminology, but the original spelling is kept for history's sake.