British
1
as in canyon
a narrow opening between hillsides or mountains that can be used for passage
a narrow gill in the Cumbrian Mountains of the Lake District
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in brook
a natural body of running water smaller than a river
a narrow but surprisingly deep gill runs the length of the rocky gorge
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of gill
Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Execution is more of the issue, as the film’s 112-minute running time feels both packed to the gills and unable to fully tackle everything James’ script throws at the wall.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
The mushroom is usually a few inches tall but can grow larger and has white gills, a pale yellow or green cap and a ring around its stalk.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
The feathery-looking gills also molt and remain attached inside near the legs.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gill
Noun
Mycologists use dichotomous keys to identify the species of mushroom based on its physical characteristics including the cap, stem, ring and gills.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Execution is more of the issue, as the film’s 112-minute running time feels both packed to the gills and unable to fully tackle everything James’ script throws at the wall.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
The mushroom is usually a few inches tall but can grow larger and has white gills, a pale yellow or green cap and a ring around its stalk.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 10 Jan. 2026
The feathery-looking gills also molt and remain attached inside near the legs.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gill
Cite this Entry
“Gill.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gill. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
