noun

berth

burth

noun

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."

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."

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

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 notes

In 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

birth →

Common pairings

give a wide berth dock at a berth a sleeping berth secure a berth

Word Forms

berthed past tense, berthed past tense, berths plural, berths singular, berths singular

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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.

Rhymes for berth

birth north earth Perth girth firth mirth worth forth garth Darth fourth

See all rhymes for berth →