bilge

American  

[bilj] / bɪldʒ /

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.

3. the widest circumference or belly of a cask.

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verb (used without object)

bilged, bilging

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, bilging

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

bilge British  

/ 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 called: bilge 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

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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

Other Word Forms

• bilgy adjective

Etymology

Origin of bilge

First recorded in 1505–15; perhaps variant of bulge

Example Sentences

If you have ever sat at a restaurant, marveling at the bilge offered on the kids’ menu and wondering how on earth we got here, “Picky” has the answers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

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 • Apr. 8, 2024

It is oppressively dull work, but at least it isn’t the bilge.

From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2022

In addition to the boat and a paddle, other basic essentials include a life jacket, whistle, manual bilge pump and spray skirt.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2022

I could see the bottom of the ship and the small fish swimming alongside the bilge drains.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos