How Do You Spell GALLEY?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈalɪ] (IPA)

The word "galley" is spelled with two L's, representing two distinct sounds in the English language. The first sound is represented by the IPA symbol /ɡ/ which is a voiced velar plosive, similar to the initial sound in the word "go". The second sound is represented by the IPA symbol /l/ which is a voiced alveolar lateral approximant, similar to the sound made when pronouncing the letter L. Together, these sounds create the distinct pronunciation of the word "galley".

GALLEY Meaning and Definition

  1. A galley, in the context of naval architecture, refers to a type of vessel that is propelled either by oars or by a combination of oars and sails. It is typically long and narrow, often having a low draft, and equipped with a large number of oars that are operated by rowers positioned along the sides of the ship. The primary purpose of a galley is to provide a means of transportation and warfare in ancient times.

    Historically, galleys were extensively used by various civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. They played a crucial role in naval battles, coastal raids, and trade expeditions. Galleys were favored for their maneuverability, speed, and ability to navigate in shallow waters.

    The oars of a galley were maneuvered by rowers, known as oarsmen or oarswomen, who would row in unison, following the rhythm set by a drummer or a coxswain. This synchronized effort would create a consistent propulsion force, enabling the galley to move forward.

    Over time, the use of galley vessels declined with the advent of sail-powered ships and advancements in steam and internal combustion engines. However, the legacy of galleys still lives on through their historical significance and continued portrayal in literature, movies, and reenactments that depict ancient battles and naval warfare.

  2. A one-decked vessel navigated with sails and oars, used in the Mediterranean; a light open boat; the kitchen of a ship; in printing, the frame which receives the types from the composing-stick.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for GALLEY *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for GALLEY

Etymology of GALLEY

The word "galley" has its origins in the Latin word "galea", which referred to a type of ship used by the ancient Romans. This Latin term was derived from the Greek word "galeos", meaning "dogfish shark". The connection between a ship and a shark is not entirely clear, but it is believed that the shape or usage of the ship may have resembled a shark. Over time, the term "galley" came to be associated specifically with the type of ship used by the Mediterranean civilizations for both war and trade.

Idioms with the word GALLEY

  • knock galley-west To knock galley-west means to thoroughly confuse or disorient someone, to throw them off balance or make them feel bewildered.

Similar spelling words for GALLEY

Plural form of GALLEY is GALLEYS

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