English Reference
noun · verb

bridge

n. · v.
US /ˈbɹɪdʒ/ UK /bɹˈɪdʒ/ bridge UK spelling bridged

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a structure built over a river, road, or railway so that people or vehicles can cross from one side to the other.

    n.a physical structure spanning and providing passage over a gap or barrier, such as a body of water, valley, or road.

    Simple

    We walked across the old stone bridge to get to the other side of the river.

    In context

    The suspension bridge spans the wide estuary, providing a vital transport link for the coastal communities that were previously isolated.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.something that joins or connects two different things, such as ideas, groups, or places.

    n.a conceptual or physical link that connects two disparate elements, groups, or time periods.

    Simple

    The new community centre acts as a bridge between the young and old people in the town.

    In context

    The diplomat hoped the cultural exchange programme would serve as a bridge between the two nations after years of political tension.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.a popular card game for four players who play in two pairs.

    n.a trick-taking card game using a standard 52-card deck, typically played by two competing partnerships.

    Simple

    My grandparents spend every Tuesday afternoon playing bridge with their neighbours.

    In context

    Mastering the bidding system in contract bridge requires years of practice and a deep understanding of probability.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

    n.a part of a song that sounds different from the rest and connects two main sections.

    n.a musical passage that connects two sections of a composition, often providing contrast to the verse and chorus.

    Simple

    The song has a beautiful bridge where the drums stop and the singer's voice gets very quiet.

    In context

    The songwriter used a minor-key bridge to heighten the emotional tension before returning to the final, triumphant chorus.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Anatomy

    n.the hard, bony upper part of your nose.

    n.the upper, bony part of the human nose, or the part of a pair of glasses that rests upon it.

    Simple

    He pushed his glasses back up to the bridge of his nose.

    In context

    The surgeon carefully reconstructed the bridge of the patient's nose following the accident to restore both function and appearance.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Nautical

    n.the place on a ship where the captain and officers control the vessel.

    n.the platform or enclosed area on a ship from which it is commanded and navigated.

    Simple

    The captain stood on the bridge and watched the storm clouds approaching.

    In context

    From the bridge, the officer on watch monitored the radar screens for any signs of other vessels in the dense fog.

    wheelhousecommand centre
  7. 07 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to reduce or close the distance between two different things.

    v.to span a physical gap or to reconcile a difference between two opposing entities or concepts.

    Simple

    The government is trying to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor.

    In context

    The new scholarship programme aims to bridge the educational divide by providing resources to underprivileged students in rural areas.

Usage bridge gap


English surname, from the noun bridge.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated