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

Plans for repairing years-old storm damage to the bulkhead and balustrade at Jacksonville’s riverfront Memorial Park could be advancing by summer, city officials told park neighbors at a neighborhood update. —Steve Patterson, Florida Times-Union, 27 Feb. 2026

The monitor can be controlled remotely by wall panels and is also touchscreen, curved to match the bulkhead, and connected to an exterior camera that gives a sense of transparency to the wall. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2026

This simplifies dashboard and bulkhead design and makes noise reduction much easier. —New Atlas, 17 Jan. 2026

The first reason is that the nose cone (radome) is massive, with the current radar system sitting low, not centered within it, and there is a big structural bulkhead above it. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 13 Dec. 2025

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