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

Earlier this summer, a TikTok went viral after a Spirit Airlines passenger shared her experience of finding cockroaches crawling around on the bulkhead near her seat. —Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

Servicing, meanwhile, is simplified, with a single plug connecting all wiring to the bulkhead, meaning the engine can be dropped out in a matter of minutes: anything beyond basic maintenance on a 964 means dropping the engine. —Iain MacAuley, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025

Exit rows and bulkhead seats have immovable armrests. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2025

This remarkable line of sight was achieved by placing the staterooms and galley on the lower deck and exchanging all bulkheads in the salon with full-height windows. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 10 June 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