bilge

[ bilj ]

noun

1. Nautical.
   1. either of the rounded areas that form the transition between the bottom and the sides on the exterior of a hull.
   2. Also bilges. (in a hull with a double bottom) an enclosed area between frames at each side of the floors, where seepage collects.
   3. Also called bilge well. a well into which seepage drains to be pumped away.
   4. Also called bilge water. seepage accumulated in bilges.
2. Slang. bilge water ( def 2 ).
3. the widest circumference or belly of a cask.

verb (used without object)

, bilged, bilg·ing.

1. Nautical.
   1. to leak in the bilge.
   2. (of white paint) to turn yellow.
2. to bulge or swell out.

verb (used with object)

, bilged, bilg·ing.

1. Nautical. to damage (a hull bottom) so as to create an entry for seawater.

bilge

/ bɪldʒ /

noun

1. nautical the parts of a vessel's hull where the vertical sides curve inwards to form the bottom
2. often plural the parts of a vessel between the lowermost floorboards and the bottom
3. Also calledbilge water the dirty water that collects in a vessel's bilge
4. informal.
   silly rubbish; nonsense
5. the widest part of the belly of a barrel or cask

verb

1. intr nautical (of a vessel) to take in water at the bilge
2. tr nautical to damage (a vessel) in the bilge, causing it to leak

Derived Forms

• ˈbilgy, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilge¹

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps variant of bulge

Word History and Origins

Origin of bilge¹

C16: probably a variant of bulge

Example Sentences

The ship is built in sections, then joined together on the slipway, supported by keel blocks, bilge blocks, wedges and "shores" - heavy lengths of timber.

From BBC

If Trump could ever credibly deny that he was not fomenting violence by his bilge, he lost that excuse on Jan. 6, 2021.

From Los Angeles Times

Chief Engineer Roberto Cayabyab Penaflor admitted to violating the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships for knowingly discharging untreated oily bilge water directly from the tanker into the sea, federal prosecutors said.

From Seattle Times

Fadich worked the bilge pumps till he was “blue in the face” just to keep the vessel above water.

From Seattle Times

Before long, water filled the base of the boat, the bilge pump grinding in a constant whir as it tried to keep up.

From New York Times