berth

¹berth

noun \ˈbərth\

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

4

a : a billet on a ship b : job, position, place <a starting berth on the team>

Examples of BERTH

1. a comfortable cabin with a deep berth
2. He has a starting berth on the all-star team.

Origin of BERTH

Middle English birth, probably from beren to bear + -th

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to BERTH

Synonyms: appointment, job, billet, capacity, connection, function, place, position, post, situation

Related Words: business, employ, employment, occupation, profession; work; office, spot; calling, pursuit, trade, vocation; line, racket; engagement, gig; livelihood, living; career, lifework, practice (also practise); duty, mission, posting, service, task

Near Antonyms: avocation; joblessness, unemployment

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Other Automotive Terms

articulated, block, choke, clutch, diesel, neutral, transmission

Rhymes with BERTH

birth, dearth, earth, firth, girth, mirth, Perth, worth