berth
berth Lexical Profile
berth Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A designated space in a port, harbor, or dock where a ship or boat can be moored.
"The cargo vessel waited outside the harbor for several hours until a suitable berth became available."
A fixed narrow shelf or bunk for sleeping on a ship, train, or other mode of transport.
"During the overnight train journey across the mountains, she slept soundly in the upper berth."
A position, appointment, or qualifying spot on a sports team or in a tournament.
"With last night's victory, the university basketball team secured a coveted berth in the national championship."
• verb
To moor a ship or boat in its allotted place at a dock or harbor, or (of a vessel) to come into a mooring space.
"The ocean liner berthed at the main terminal shortly before dawn."
To provide a sleeping place or accommodation for passengers or crew aboard a vessel.
"The expedition ship is designed to berth up to eighty researchers and crew members comfortably."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'berth' (a ship's mooring space, a sleeping bunk, or a tournament spot) with its homophone 'birth' (the act of being born or the beginning of something). Additionally, the idiom 'give a wide berth' means to keep a safe distance from someone or something.
• Rhymes for berth
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 16th century as a nautical term meaning 'convenient sea room for a ship to maneuver,' likely derived from the verb 'bear' in the sense of 'bearing off' or carrying away from danger.