bulkhead

[ buhlk-hed ]
See synonyms for bulkhead on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. Nautical. any of various wall-like constructions inside a vessel, as for forming watertight compartments, subdividing space, or strengthening the structure.

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Origin of bulkhead

1
First recorded in 1490–1500; bulk2 + head

Other words from bulkhead

  • bulkheaded, adjective

Words Nearby bulkhead

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

How to use bulkhead in a sentence

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

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

Origin of bulkhead

1
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