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

Other Automotive Terms

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

Rhymes with BERTH

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

²berth

verb

Definition of BERTH

transitive verb

1

: to bring into a berth

2

: to allot a berth to

intransitive verb

: to come into a berth

Examples of BERTH

1. The ship was berthed at this pier.
2. The ship berthed at this pier.

First Known Use of BERTH

1667

Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay