gills

word · lemma: gill

Definition

Gills are the organs that fish and some other animals use to breathe underwater by taking in oxygen from water.

Usage & Nuances

Used mainly in scientific or biological contexts, and mostly refers to fish, though it can also apply to amphibians and some insects. Not to be confused with 'lungs.' Common in phrases like "through their gills" or "fish gills."

Example Sentences

Fish use their gills to breathe underwater.

basic

Without gills, most fish cannot survive.

basic

The gills of a shark are easy to see on its head.

basic

Some amphibians have gills when they are young and lose them as they grow.

natural

If the water is dirty, a fish’s gills can get damaged easily.

natural

Unlike humans, fish don’t have lungs—they rely entirely on their gills.

natural