gnarled

1 of 2

adjective

ˈnär(-ə)ld 

1

: full of knots or gnarls : knotty

gnarled hands

gnarled olive trees

2

: crabbed in disposition, aspect, or character

a gnarled old veteran

gnarled

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of gnarl entry 1, gnarl entry 2

Examples of gnarled in a Sentence

Adjective

the old man's gnarled fingers

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Swapping dirty fingernails for loose shotgun shells, Abrams carves Bryan from the same gnarled sense of desperation — but gives the character’s spirit a kinder shade overall. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

The San Francisco 49ers defensive end boasts some of the bulkiest thighs in the NFL — quads that resemble a pair of gnarled, ancient oak stumps. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

In an almost level spot at the foot of the cliff was a gnarled fir that had found a pocket of rich volcanic soil in that austere place. — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026

Famous for its enormous trunk -- about 36 feet in circumference -- and gnarled branches, the Major Oak was believed to be about 1,200 years old, according to the RSPB Bird & Wildlife Conservation Charity. — ABC News, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably alteration of knurled

First Known Use

Adjective

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1