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noun Uncommon

berth

burth

Berth (noun) means a space where a ship can dock, moor, or anchor safely. Example: “The ferry pulled slowly into its berth at the harbour.”

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noun
1
A space where a ship can dock, moor, or anchor safely.
"The ferry pulled slowly into its berth at the harbour."
"There was no free berth left in the marina by evening."
2
A fixed sleeping bunk on a ship, train, or other vehicle.
"She booked a sleeper berth for the overnight train to Edinburgh."
"The cabin had two narrow berths stacked on top of each other."
3
A job, position, or spot secured in something, such as a tournament.
"The team earned a berth in the playoffs after a strong final match."
"He landed a comfortable berth in the finance department straight out of university."
verb
1
To bring a ship into a berth, or to dock.
"The captain berthed the tanker just before the storm hit."

How to use berth

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA parking or sleeping spot on a ship or train, or, more loosely, a secured place or position.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "birth" (being born) — they sound identical but mean completely different things.

Easily confused with
birth →
Common pairings
give a wide berth dock at a berth a sleeping berth secure a berth
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Word forms

berthed past tense, berthed past tense, berths plural, berths singular, berths singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The ferry pulled slowly into its _____ at the harbour.

Etymology

From an earlier English word meaning nautical clearance or bearing-away room, related to "bear" — the idea of the space a ship needs to safely carry itself clear of others.

Synonyms

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place office post position situation spot slip wharf bunk moor billet mooring

Related words

part home place house put set point job

Rhymes for berth

birth north Perth girth firth mirth worth forth garth Darth
See all rhymes for berth →

Frequently asked questions

What does “berth” mean?

The word “berth” means a space where a ship can dock, moor, or anchor safely. In plain terms, a parking or sleeping spot on a ship or train, or, more loosely, a secured place or position.

How do you pronounce “berth”?

“Berth” is pronounced burth (/bɜɹθ/ in IPA).

How do you use “berth” in a sentence?

Here is “berth” used in a sentence: “The ferry pulled slowly into its berth at the harbour.”

What part of speech is “berth”?

Depending on how it is used, “berth” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “berth” a common word?

“Berth” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “berth” have?

“Berth” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a space where a ship can dock, moor, or anchor safely.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial