noun

bilge

bihlj

Bilge (noun) means the lowest part of a ship's hull, where water collects. Example: “The crew pumped out the bilge after the storm.”

noun

The lowest part of a ship's hull, where water collects.

"The crew pumped out the bilge after the storm."

Nonsense; foolish or worthless talk.

"Don't listen to that bilge he posts online."

How to use bilge

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe bottom of a ship's hull (and its stagnant water), or, informally, rubbish talk.

When to use it

The "nonsense" sense is informal and mostly British.

Common pairings

pump the bilge talking bilge

Word forms

bilged past tense, bilges plural, bilges singular

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The crew pumped out the _____ after the storm.

Etymology

Likely a variant of bulge, tied to the curved shape of a ship's lower hull.

Synonyms

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bilge water

Frequently asked questions

What does “bilge” mean?

The word “bilge” means the lowest part of a ship's hull, where water collects. In plain terms, the bottom of a ship's hull (and its stagnant water), or, informally, rubbish talk.

How do you pronounce “bilge”?

“Bilge” is pronounced bihlj (/bɪld͡ʒ/ in IPA).

How do you use “bilge” in a sentence?

Here is “bilge” used in a sentence: “The crew pumped out the bilge after the storm.”

What part of speech is “bilge”?

“Bilge” is a noun.

How many meanings does “bilge” have?

“Bilge” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the lowest part of a ship's hull, where water collects.