gill

noun (1)

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\ ˈjil

Definition of gill

(Entry 1 of 5)

: a unit of liquid capacity equal to four fluid ounces — see Weights and Measures Table

gill

noun (2)

\ ˈgil

Definition of gill (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : an organ (as of a fish) for obtaining oxygen from water

2a : wattle entry 3

b : the flesh under or about the chin or jaws —usually used in plural

c : one of the radiating plates forming the undersurface of the cap of a mushroom fungus

to the gills

: as full or as much as possible a suitcase packed to the gills

gill

verb

\ ˈgil

gilled; gilling; gills

Definition of gill (Entry 3 of 5)

transitive verb

: gillnet

intransitive verb

of fish : to become entangled in a gill net

gill

noun (3)

\ ˈgil

Definition of gill (Entry 4 of 5)

1 British : ravine

2 British : a narrow stream or rivulet

gill

noun (4), often capitalized

\ ˈjil

Definition of gill (Entry 5 of 5)

: girl, sweetheart

Other Words from gill Synonyms Phrases Containing gill Learn More About gill

Synonyms for gill

Synonyms: Noun (3)

canyon
(also cañon),
col,
couloir,
defile,
flume,
gap,
gorge,
gulch,
gulf,
kloof
[South African],
linn
[chiefly Scottish],
notch,
pass,
ravine,
saddle

Synonyms: Noun (4)

First Known Use of gill

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1884, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Noun (3)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (4)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for gill

Noun (1)

Middle English gille, from Medieval Latin gillus, from Late Latin gillo, gello water pot

Noun (2)

Middle English gile, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Swedish gäl gill, Old Norse gjǫlnar lips; akin to Greek chelynē lip, jawbone

Noun (3)

Middle English gille, from Old Norse gil; akin to Old High German gil hernia

Noun (4)

Middle English, from Gill, nickname for Gillian

Learn More About gill

Dictionary Entries Near gill

Giliak

gill

gillar

Statistics for gill

Cite this Entry

“Gill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gill. Accessed 28 Jun. 2022.

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More Definitions for gill

gill

noun

\ ˈjil

Kids Definition of gill

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a unit of liquid capacity equal to a quarter of a pint (about 120 milliliters)

gill

noun

\ ˈgil

Kids Definition of gill (Entry 2 of 2)

: an organ (as of a fish) for taking oxygen from water

gill

noun

\ ˈjil

Medical Definition of gill

(Entry 1 of 2)

: either of two units of capacity:

a : a British unit equal to ¹/₄ imperial pint or 8.669 cubic inches

b : a United States liquid unit equal to ¹/₄ United States liquid pint or 7.218 cubic inches

gill

noun

\ ˈgil

Medical Definition of gill (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an organ (as of a fish) for obtaining oxygen from water

2 : one of the radiating plates forming the undersurface of the cap of a mushroom

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fulsome

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gill

Definition of gill

Other Words from gill

Synonyms for gill

Phrases Containing gill

First Known Use of gill

History and Etymology for gill

Learn More About gill

The first known use of gill was in the 14th century

How Many Scruples in a Dram?

Dictionary Entries Near gill

Statistics for gill

Kids Definition of gill

Medical Definition of gill

WORD OF THE DAY

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