What Is the Difference Between a Gunwale & a Bulwark?

A gunwale and a bulwark are two distinct entities.

The words gunwale and bulwark sound like they may refer to something similar. Both are types of reinforcement involved in defense. While the words may seem similar, gunwale and bulwark have very different meanings.

Gunwale

The term "gunwale" derives from a reinforced top board of the ship, where artillery was mounted. The term is nautical and today refers to the top of side of the ship or, in a wooden vessel, the top plank. The artillery on warships proved so heavy, the top edges of the area where they fitted the cannons or other artillery needed to be reinforced. This top area became known and is still termed the "gunwale."

Bulwark

Another term for a bulwark is rampart. A bulwark is a barrier, embankment or wall fortification built for defense. Soldiers build bulwarks to protect their position during war engagements.

Different Area

Gunwale originally referred to a part of the ship used to support artillery. Bulwark has a nautical connotation as well. A bulwark on a ship refers to the part of the enclosure or wall above the deck that serves to protect persons or objects on the main deck. This enclosed part of the deck above the water is a "defense" or bulwark for those on the main deck.

References

• Arnies Inflatable Boats: What is the Gunwale
• The Free Dictionary: Gunwale
• The Free Dictionary: Bulwark
• Dictionary: Bulwark