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.”
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
give a wide berth
dock at a berth
a sleeping berth
secure a berth
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like berth.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- berths
- Third person singular
- berths
- Past tense
- berthed
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.
Related words
Rhymes for berth
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include berth:
