bulkhead

[buhlk-hed]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR bulkhead ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

Nearby words

Origin of bulkhead

First recorded in 1490–1500; bulk² + head

Related formsbulk·head·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bulkhead

Nicole LaPorte talks to flight attendants about dirty diapers, bulkhead envy, and more.
Flight Attendant Freakout|Nicole LaPorte|November 23, 2010|DAILY BEAST
He set one foot under the door-knob, rested his back against the bulkhead across the narrow aisle, and straightened his leg.
Sonnie-Boy's People|James B. Connolly
I reckon she's makin' some water here through that bulkhead, Mister Mate.
Command|William McFee
Ives and Hoskins went aft to the shock-panels in the after bulkhead.
Breaking Point|James E. Gunn

Each of our cabins had its own looking-glass screwed to the bulkhead, and what he wanted with more of them we never could fathom.
The Mirror of the Sea|Joseph Conrad
As to the bulkhead, he had advised his commander that the safest thing was to leave it alone, it was so villainous to look at.
Lord Jim|Joseph Conrad

British Dictionary definitions for bulkhead

bulkhead

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

Word Origin and History for bulkhead

bulkhead

late 15c., with head (n.); the first element perhaps from bulk "framework projecting in the front of a shop" (1580s), which is perhaps from Old Norse bolkr "beam, balk" (see balk (n.)).