berth

Pluralberths

Formsberths, berthing, berthed

1. 1
   nouncountable

   A place where a ship stops and is tied up or anchored.

   The ferry pulled into its berth right on time.

   The harbor has berths for twenty boats.

   Similarmooring, anchorage, dock

   Note
2. 2
   nouncountable

   A bed on a ship, often built into the wall of a cabin.

   I could not sleep in the narrow berth as the ship rolled.

   Our cabin had two berths, one above the other.

   Similarbunk, bed

   Note
3. 3
   nouncountable

   A bed for sleeping on a train or in a camper.

   We booked a berth on the night train to the coast.

   The camper has berths for four people.

   Similarbunk, bed

   Note
4. 4
   nounfigurativelycountable

   Enough space to stay safe or to move, mostly in the phrase a wide berth.

   Give the angry dog a wide berth.

   I gave the wet paint a wide berth.

   Note
5. 5
   nounfigurativelycountable

   A place in a sports competition, such as a spot in the finals.

   The team earned a berth in the playoffs with last night's win.

   Only four berths in the tournament are still open.

   Similarplace, spot, slot

   Note
6. 6
   nounfigurativelycountable

   A job or position, especially an easy and comfortable one.

   He found a good berth at the bank and stayed thirty years.

   She is looking for a berth on a newspaper.

   Similarjob, post, position, billet, situation

   Note
7. 7
   nouncountable

   A place where a vehicle can park or stand.

   The bus pulled into its berth at the station.

   Each truck has a numbered berth at the depot.

   Similarbay, space, stand

   Note
8. 8
   verbintransitivereflexive

   Of a ship, to come into its place at the dock. Often used with herself or itself.

   The ferry berthed herself neatly against the quay.

   Modern liners berth themselves with side thrusters.

   Similardock, moor

   Note
9. 9
   verbtransitive

   To bring a ship into its place at the dock, or to give a ship a place there.

   The pilot berthed the ship without a scratch.

   The new port can berth the largest tankers.

   Similardock, moor

   Note
10. 10
    nounfigurativelycountable

    A place on the field that a player fills during a game.

    He returned to his old berth on the right wing.

    The new signing took the berth at center back.

    Similarposition, place, spot, role

    Note

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