First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1berth
noun \ˈbərth\
: a place to sleep on a ship, train, etc.
: a place in the water near the shore where a ship stops and stays
: a place or position on a team
Full Definition of BERTH
1
a : sufficient distance for maneuvering a ship b : an amount of distance maintained for safety <give the fire a wide berth>
2
a : the place where a ship lies when at anchor or at a wharf b : a space for an automotive vehicle at rest <a truck-loading berth>
3
: a place to sit or sleep especially on a ship or vehicle : accommodation
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Origin of BERTH
Middle English birth, probably from beren to bear + -th
Related to BERTH
- Synonyms
- appointment, job, billet, capacity, connection, function, place, position, post, situation
Other Automotive Terms
2berth
verb
: to bring (a ship) into a place where it can stop and stay : to bring (a ship) into a berth
Full Definition of BERTH
transitive verb
1
: to bring into a berth
2
: to allot a berth to
intransitive verb
: to come into a berth
See berth defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BERTH
1667
BERTH[1] Defined for Kids
berth
noun \ˈbərth\
Definition of BERTH for Kids
1
: a place in the water where a ship stops and stays when anchored or at a wharf
2
: a bed on a ship or train
3
: an amount of distance kept for the sake of safety <We gave the haunted house a wide berth.>
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