Berth

/bɜːθ/

nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A bed on a ship, train, or aircraft; a designated place for a vessel to moor.

/bɜːθ/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A place to sleep on a ship or train.

The cruise ship had luxurious berths.

💡 Simply: A bed or space to sleep on a vehicle.

More Examples

2

He secured a berth in the harbor.

How It's Used

Maritime

"The ship's berths were cramped but comfortable."

Rail Travel

"I booked a sleeper berth on the overnight train."

2

To moor (a ship) alongside.

/bɜːθ/

verbneutralIntermediate
General

To provide a berth for (a ship); to secure a berth.

The large vessel was berthed safely in the port.

💡 Simply: To park a ship in its spot.

How It's Used

Maritime

"The captain skillfully berthed the ship alongside the pier."

Tip:To give a 'birth' to a ship in a harbor.

From Middle English *berth, from Old English *beorgan, meaning "to protect, shelter". The nautical sense developed later.

Historically, the word 'berth' was primarily used in a nautical context, referring to a sheltered place or anchorage for ships.

Memory tip

Think of it as a 'protected' space to sleep.

Word Origin

LanguageOld English
Original meaning

"to protect, shelter"

secure a berthberth alongside

Common misspellings

berthtberht

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written