bulkhead

noun

bulk·​head ˈbəlk-ˌhed  ˈbəl-ˌked 

1

: an upright partition separating compartments

2

: a structure or partition to resist pressure or to shut off water, fire, or gas

3

: a retaining wall along a waterfront

4

: a projecting framework with a sloping door giving access to a cellar stairway or a shaft

Examples of bulkhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There was only one stairwell in the building, and the flames were consuming it from the first floor to the bulkhead on the roof. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

Air India put in bright-red carpeting and sofas, with images of apsaras on the bulkhead behind them. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

With no air-con and copious heat-soak through the rear bulkhead (the glass panel behind your head gets almost too hot to touch), driving it hard also feels like a physical workout. — Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 18 May 2026

Construction began Tuesday to build a bulkhead from 15th to 12th avenues, which will tie into the existing bulkheads. — Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

bulk (structure projecting from a building) + head

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bulkhead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

bulkhead

noun

bulk·​head ˈbəlk-ˌhed 

1

: a wall separating compartments

2

: an external structure with a sloping door leading to the cellar stairway of a house