1
a
nautical
: sufficient distance for maneuvering a ship
Keep a clear berth of the shoals.
b
: an amount of distance maintained for safety
give the fire a wide berth
giving him a wide berth until he is in a better mood
2
a
: the place where a ship lies when at anchor or at a wharf
was docked at her usual berth
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
a comfortable cabin with a deep berth
an upper berth
4
a
: a billet (see billet entry 1 sense 2a) on a ship
… waiting for a berth as a ship's surgeon …—
Bernard Keelan
Bernard Keelan
berthed; berthing; berths
1
: to bring (something, such as a ship or automotive vehicle) into a berth
The ship was berthed at this pier.
2
: to allot quarters or accommodations to : to allot a berth to
a place to berth the crew
: to come into a berth
where the ship typically berths
Examples of berth in a Sentence
Noun
a comfortable cabin with a deep berth
He has a starting berth on the all-star team.
Verb
The ship was berthed at this pier.
The ship berthed at this pier.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
In their last matchup on September 4, 2025, the Valkyries defeated the Wings 84-80 at Chase Center in a historic win that clinched a postseason berth for the Golden State in its inaugural season, led by crucial late-game clutch scoring from Veronica Burton and 19 points from Janelle Salaün.
—CBS News, 17 June 2026
Neal Riley, CBS News, 17 June 2026
Getting Canadarm2 back online will be critical to berth some cargo ships at the space station, which carry food, equipment and other supplies to the astronauts, as well as to perform a share of maintenance on the orbiting complex.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for berth
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Noun
Defeats The 2026 World Cup marks the first time Oceania’s confederation has received an automatic berth into the tournament, effectively handing New Zealand a free pass into the tournament.
—Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
In their last matchup on September 4, 2025, the Valkyries defeated the Wings 84-80 at Chase Center in a historic win that clinched a postseason berth for the Golden State in its inaugural season, led by crucial late-game clutch scoring from Veronica Burton and 19 points from Janelle Salaün.
—CBS News, 17 June 2026
Verb
They'll be berthed at the Boston Fish Pier, Commonwealth Pier, Pier 5 South Boston, Courthouse Dock, Fan Pier, Rowes Wharf and the Charlestown Navy Yard.
—Neal Riley, CBS News, 17 June 2026
Getting Canadarm2 back online will be critical to berth some cargo ships at the space station, which carry food, equipment and other supplies to the astronauts, as well as to perform a share of maintenance on the orbiting complex.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for berth
Cite this Entry
“Berth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/berth. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
berth
1 of 2 noun1
a
: enough room to maneuver a ship
b
: a safe distance
give it wide berth
2
: a place where a ship lies at anchor or at a wharf
3
: a place to sleep on a ship or train
4
berth
2 of 2 verb
: to bring or come into a berth
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