: any of numerous long-winged web-footed aquatic birds (subfamily Larinae of the family Laridae)
especially
: a usually gray and white bird (especially of the genus Larus) differing from a tern in usually larger size, stouter build, thicker somewhat hooked bill, less pointed wings, and short unforked tail
Examples of gull in a Sentence
Verb
we were gulled into believing that if we answered the e-mail, we'd somehow become millionaires, but instead we just got put on a list for junk mail
Noun (2)
was enough of a gull to fall victim to a pyramid scheme even though he'd been duped before
Recent Examples on the Web
Ernie Cowan, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
Although gulls are known for stealing food gathered by land animals, there are few observations of seabirds stealing food from marine animals, Moscrop said.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
We will not be gulled by the frauds and falsehoods of the Kremlin’s apologists.
—Lloyd J. Austin Iii, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for gull
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Noun
Active soaring wings are long, narrow and pointed, a more efficient design for albatrosses, gulls and gannets that are more dependent on wind currents to sustain long periods of flight over great distances.
—Ernie Cowan, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025
Although gulls are known for stealing food gathered by land animals, there are few observations of seabirds stealing food from marine animals, Moscrop said.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
That’s because the agency’s duty is to stand in the way of businesses desiring to push unsafe and ineffective nostrums at unwary consumers, and also in the way of a perverse idea that personal freedom includes the freedom to be gulled by charlatans.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2025
We will not be gulled by the frauds and falsehoods of the Kremlin’s apologists.
—Lloyd J. Austin Iii, Foreign Affairs, 1 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for gull
Cite this Entry
“Gull.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gull. Accessed 24 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
gull
1 of 3 noun
: any of numerous mostly white or gray birds that have long wings and webbed feet and are typically found near water
gull
2 of 3 verb
: to take advantage of : deceive
gull
3 of 3 noun
: a person easily deceived or cheated : dupe
Etymology
Noun
Middle English gull "gull"; of Celtic origin
Verb
from obsolete English gull "gullet"
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