Word
bulkhead
Phoneticsbulk·head, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbəɫkˌhɛd/
UK/bˈʌlkhɛd/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a strong wall inside a ship or plane that divides the space into separate sections. It helps keep the vessel safe if one part starts to leak.
n. a partition or wall within a ship or aircraft that divides the interior into watertight or airtight compartments. Often reinforced to provide structural integrity and prevent the spread of water or fire.
Examples
“The crew sealed the bulkhead to stop the water from spreading.”
“Modern aircraft are designed with multiple bulkheads to ensure that a single structural failure does not compromise the entire fuselage.”
“The ship's hull was divided by several reinforced bulkheads, a design choice that significantly increased its chances of staying afloat after the collision.”
Examples
simple
“The crew sealed the bulkhead to stop the water from spreading.”
contextual
“Modern aircraft are designed with multiple bulkheads to ensure that a single structural failure does not compromise the entire fuselage.”
complex
“The ship's hull was divided by several reinforced bulkheads, a design choice that significantly increased its chances of staying afloat after the collision.”
Real-World Examples
“The 1982-83 El Nino destroyed timber bulkheads and seawalls and damaged several piers along the California coast.” “The cargo area’s removable carpeted panels that plug the gap between seatbacks and the rearmost bulkhead felt cheap and home-built.” Etymology
From Old Norse bálkr (“partition”) + head, anglicised as bulk + head.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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