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
Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
The Patriots' selection of Mac Jones at No. 15 was at least a higher-value pick, getting a Pro Bowl nod and a playoff berth out of it.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
On March 25, one ship appeared to abandon its effort to dock at the pier where two other ships were already berthed.
—Chris Buckley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for berth
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show current usage.
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Noun
Read more of The Athletic’s coverage from the 2025 NFL Draft: Best Players Available | Draft Grades | Winners & Losers
Jim Harbaugh’s Los Angeles Chargers enjoyed a successful debut season that saw the team’s culture shift and resulted in an 11-6 record and a wild-card playoff berth.
—Daniel Popper, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
The Patriots' selection of Mac Jones at No. 15 was at least a higher-value pick, getting a Pro Bowl nod and a playoff berth out of it.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
The issue should not impact cruise ships visiting the Southernmost City, since a ship isn’t scheduled to berth at that particular dock until November, Crean added.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2025
On March 25, one ship appeared to abandon its effort to dock at the pier where two other ships were already berthed.
—Chris Buckley, New York Times, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for berth
Cite this Entry
“Berth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/berth. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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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