Bilge

Pronunciation

• IPA: /bɪldÊ’/

Origin

A nautical/shipbuilding term, likely derived from bulge.

Full definition of bilge

Noun

1. (nautical) The rounded portion of a ship's hull, forming a transition between the bottom and the sides.
2. (nautical) The lowest inner part of a ship's hull.
3. (uncountable) The water accumulated in the bilge, the bilge water.
4. (slang, uncountable) Stupid talk or writing; nonsense.
5. The bulging part of a barrel or cask.

Verb

1. (nautical, intransitive) To spring a leak in the bilge.
2. (intransitive) To bulge or swell.
3. (nautical, transitive) To break open the bilge(s) of.

Related terms

• bilgewater
  bilge water
• bilge pump