English Explanatory Dictionary

bilge

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. The rounded portion of a ship's hull, forming a transition between the bottom and the sides.
  2. The lowest inner part of a ship's hull, where water accumulates.
  3. The water accumulated in the bilge; bilge water.
  4. Stupid talk or writing; nonsense.
  5. The bulging part of a barrel or cask.
verb
  1. To spring a leak in the bilge.
  2. To bulge or swell.
  3. To break open the bilge(s) of.

Pronunciation

/bɪld͡ʒ/ en-us-bilge.ogg

Word forms

bilge bilges bilging bilged

Etymology

Likely derived from bulge. Compare Middle English bulgen (“to ground or scuttle a ship”).

Related words

bilgewater bilge water bilge keel bilge pump

Derived words

bilge-free bilgeway bilgy
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