gunnel1Pronunciation: /ˈgʌn(ə)l/Definition of gunnel noun an elongated laterally compressed fish with a dorsal fin that runs along most of the back and reduced or absent pelvic fins. It occurs in cool inshore waters of the northern hemisphere. Family Pholidae: two genera and several species Origin: late 17th century: of unknown origingunnel in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of gunnel in the US English dictionary