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

For example, Glover, Koch and Hansen practiced CPR in space, taking turns bracing against Orion’s bulkhead to gain leverage to simulate chest compressions and rescue breathing while recording the proceedings for future crew trainings. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 4 Apr. 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

After the initial spill, DC Water set up a system of pumps and a steel bulkhead to divert wastewater around the broken section of pipe so crews could repair it. —Jeff Brady, NPR, 13 Mar. 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