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

For most ships of the era, much of the wastewater, seawater, and human excrement was collected in the bilge area of the vessel – which corresponded to the space below the hold.

From Realm of History

As soon as I was alone and could think about anything other than our freshwater supply, or cleaning the head, or pumping the bilge water from the bosun’s locker, my mind seemed to empty.

From Outside Online

This resembled the old bilge-water of a ship for foulness, but both men and oxen drank of it with avidity.

From Project Gutenberg

An external bilge keel about 300 feet long and 25 inches deep was fitted along the bilge amidships.

From Project Gutenberg

Then at last it came alongside, and he crawled cautiously down the curve of the bilge and secured it.

From Project Gutenberg

Along about sunrise Mr. Pellett stirred in the bilge and raised a peagreen face.

From Project Gutenberg

Her passenger spent the night praying in the bilge; and as for her commander, he left no report.

From Project Gutenberg