# barge

/ˈbɑɹdʒ/ (US) · /bˈɑːdʒ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/barge
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a flat-bottomed boat

noun · CEFR B2

a long, flat boat used to carry heavy goods like coal or grain on rivers and canals.

For teachers: a large, flat-bottomed vessel, either self-propelled or towed, designed for the transport of bulk cargo on inland waterways.

- The barge moved slowly down the river, carrying a huge load of sand.
- The industrial canal was once crowded with steel barges transporting raw materials from the coast to the inland factories.

### 2. to enter rudely

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to walk into a room or join a conversation in a rude or clumsy way without being invited.

For teachers: to move or intrude in a forceful, clumsy, or socially insensitive manner; often used with 'in' or 'into'.

- He didn't even knock; he just barged into the meeting while I was speaking.
- The protesters attempted to barge through the security cordon, resulting in a brief but chaotic confrontation with the guards.

Usage: Usually used as a phrasal verb: 'barge in' or 'barge into'.

### 3. to push someone

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

to push someone roughly with your body, especially your shoulder.

For teachers: to collide with or push someone aside using physical force, typically the shoulder or torso.

- The player was penalised for trying to barge his opponent off the ball.
- Commuters frequently had to barge their way through the dense crowd to reach the platform before the doors closed.

## Examples

- The barge carries coal down the river.
- A tugboat pushed the heavy barge through the narrow canal lock.
- The industrial barge, laden with raw materials, drifted slowly against the current while waiting for the tide to turn.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.