bulkhead

[ buhlk-hed ]

/ ˈbʌlkˌhɛd /

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noun

Nautical. any of various wall-like constructions inside a vessel, as for forming watertight compartments, subdividing space, or strengthening the structure.

Aeronautics. a transverse partition or reinforcing frame in the body of an airplane.

Civil Engineering.

a partition built in a subterranean passage to prevent the passage of air, water, or mud.
a retaining structure of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete, used for shore protection and in harbor works.

Building Trades.

a horizontal or inclined outside door over a stairway leading to a cellar.
a boxlike structure, as on a roof, covering a stairwell or other opening.

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Origin of bulkhead

First recorded in 1490–1500; bulk² + head

OTHER WORDS FROM bulkhead

bulkheaded, adjective

Words nearby bulkhead

bulk, bulk buying, bulk cargo, bulk carrier, bulker, bulkhead, bulkhead deck, bulkheading, bulking, bulk mail, bulk modulus

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use bulkhead in a sentence

A lot of people go and get food to go at the fish market, and now, if someone gets crabs and shrimp and they’re sitting on the bulkhead, they can get a cocktail from me right there.
‘Streateries’ are thriving, but only in some parts of D.C. Now Bowser wants to expand them.|Michael Brice-Saddler, Fritz Hahn|February 1, 2021|Washington Post
Traps can be placed in tidewater off docks, bulkheads, bridges, and suspended from floats almost anywhere.
14 wild edibles you can pull right out of the ocean|By Bob McNally/Field & Stream|October 19, 2020|Popular-Science
Nicole LaPorte talks to flight attendants about dirty diapers, bulkhead envy, and more.
Flight Attendant Freakout|Nicole LaPorte|November 23, 2010|DAILY BEAST
He splashed his way up to the cabin bulkhead, where the halyards were belayed on cleats on either side, and let them run.
The Rival Campers Afloat|Ruel Perley Smith

These were controlled from above by rods and wheels led to the level of the bulkhead deck.
Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic'|British Government
By connections at the engine room forward bulkhead steam could be taken from any boiler in the ship.
Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic'|British Government
The water then flowed in from the top through the deck scuttle forward of the collision bulkhead.
Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic'|British Government
There was another water-tight door at the after end of the water-tight passage through the bunker immediately aft of D bulkhead.
Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic'|British Government

British Dictionary definitions for bulkhead

bulkhead

/ (ˈbʌlkˌhɛd) /

noun

any upright wall-like partition in a ship, aircraft, vehicle, etc

a wall or partition built to hold back earth, fire, water, etc

Word Origin for bulkhead

C15: probably from bulk projecting framework, from Old Norse bálkr partition + head

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

bulkhead

Origin of bulkhead

OTHER WORDS FROM bulkhead

Words nearby bulkhead

Words related to bulkhead

How to use bulkhead in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bulkhead

Word Origin for bulkhead