# berth

/ˈbɝθ/ (US) · /bˈɜːθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/berth
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. a place to sleep

noun · CEFR B2

a bed or bunk, usually built into a wall, on a ship, train, or caravan.

For teachers: a built-in bed or bunk on a ship, train, or other vehicle.

- I managed to get some sleep in my narrow berth while the train crossed the border.
- The overnight ferry offers several classes of accommodation, ranging from basic shared cabins to private berths with en-suite facilities.

### 2. a space for a ship

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a specific place at a port or dock where a ship can stay.

For teachers: a designated location in a port or harbour where a vessel may be moored or anchored.

- The captain waited for the harbour master to assign a berth for the cargo ship.
- Due to the heavy storm, several vessels were forced to remain at sea until safe berths became available in the crowded marina.

### 3. safe distance

noun · CEFR B2

a safe amount of space around you to avoid hitting something.

For teachers: a sufficient distance for manoeuvring or safety; most commonly used in the idiom 'give a wide berth'.

- You should give that aggressive dog a wide berth when you walk past.
- Experienced investors usually give such volatile stocks a wide berth, preferring more stable assets during periods of market uncertainty.

### 4. tournament position

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

a guaranteed place or spot in a sports competition or tournament.

For teachers: a secured position or seed in a tournament bracket or playoff series.

- The team's victory last night secured them a berth in the championship finals.
- After a disappointing start to the season, the club rallied to clinch the final playoff berth in the closing minutes of the game.

### 5. to park a ship

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to bring a ship into its place at a dock.

For teachers: to bring a vessel into a designated mooring or docking space; can be used transitively or intransitively.

- The large cruise liner berthed at the pier early this morning.
- The pilot was praised for his skill in berthing the massive container ship despite the challenging crosswinds and narrow channel.

## Examples

- He climbed into his narrow berth for the night.
- The crew members shared a small cabin with two stacked berths.
- In the cramped quarters of the submarine, every sailor had to make do with a narrow berth that offered little privacy.

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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.