Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

bilge pump

American  

noun

Nautical.
  1. a pump for removing water from a bilge.


Etymology

Origin of bilge pump

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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 • Jan. 29, 2023

Once you’re back aboard, work the bilge pump until you’ve cleared out most of the water.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 16, 2022

Turns out it was the bilge pump vacuuming up excess water.

From Washington Post • Sep. 6, 2017

After consuming the ship’s cat, their uniform buttons and a leather bilge pump, and after the captain had retreated to his cabin clutching a pistol, the crew decided to draw lots.

From New York Times • Jan. 30, 2017

One bilge pump was placed in the turbine room and one of the hot salt-water pumps had a connection from the bilge main pipe for use in emergency.

From Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic' by Government, British

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "bilge pump" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com