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Bilge: meaning, definitions and examples

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bilge

 

[ bɪldʒ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

nautical terminology

Bilge refers to the lowest part of a ship's hull where the bottom curves upward. It is typically where water accumulates and needs to be pumped out. The term can also refer to the water that collects in this area.

Synonyms

basin, bilgewater, bottom

Examples of usage

  • The crew inspected the bilge for leaks.
  • Water from the bilge was discharged overboard.
  • They installed a pump to remove the bilge water.
Context #2 | Noun

informal usage

In informal contexts, 'bilge' is used to denote foolish or nonsensical talk. It often implies that the speaker is expressing something that is deemed trivial or absurd.

Synonyms

drivel, gibberish, nonsense

Examples of usage

  • Stop talking bilge and get to the point!
  • His explanation was nothing but bilge.
  • She dismissed the rumors as pure bilge.

Translations

Translations of the word "bilge" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cisterna

🇮🇳 बिल्ज़

🇩🇪 Bilge

🇮🇩 bilge

🇺🇦 більдж

🇵🇱 bilge

🇯🇵 ビルジ

🇫🇷 bilge

🇪🇸 bilge

🇹🇷 bilge

🇰🇷 빌지

🇸🇦 بيليج

🇨🇿 bilge

🇸🇰 bilge

🇨🇳 舱底水

🇸🇮 bilge

🇮🇸 bilge

🇰🇿 бильге

🇬🇪 ბილგი

🇦🇿 bilge

🇲🇽 bilge

Etymology

The word 'bilge' originates from the Middle English term 'bilge' or 'byle', which referred specifically to the part of a ship's hull. This word can be traced back even further to the Old Norse word 'bylgja,' meaning 'a wave' or 'to swell,' which reflects how water is held in the bilge area. The nautical term developed as shipbuilding and sailing practices evolved, and by the late 14th century, it became integral to maritime vocabulary. Over time, 'bilge' began to take on a more colloquial meaning, referring to nonsensical speech or irrelevant information, particularly in British slang. The dual use of the term emphasizes the word's flexibility in language, being relevant both in technical shipping contexts and casual conversations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,977, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.