berth Definition
- 1a place to sleep on a ship, train, or caravan
- 2a space in a port where a ship can be tied up
- 3a position or role assigned to someone
Using berth: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "berth" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
We had a comfortable berth on the overnight train.
Example
The ship was tied up at its berth in the harbor.
Example
He was given a new berth as head of the department.
berth Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for berth
- bunk
- cabin
- compartment
- dock
- mooring
Antonyms for berth
- departure
- release
Phrases with berth
give someone a wide berth
to avoid someone or something
Example
I always give that dog a wide berth because it looks dangerous.
Example
The sailors were promised a good wage and berth and board for the duration of the voyage.
berth of a ship
the distance between the two extreme points of a ship's length
Example
The berth of the Titanic was 882 feet long.
Origins of berth
from Middle English 'berthe', meaning 'a place for a ship to lie at anchor'
Summary: berth in Brief
The term 'berth' [bɜːθ] refers to a sleeping place on a ship, train, or caravan, a space in a port for docking, or a position or role assigned to someone. It is often used in phrases like 'give someone a wide berth,' meaning to avoid someone or something, and 'berth and board,' referring to accommodation and meals provided, especially on a ship.