bilge pump
Americannoun
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
The bilge pump had trouble keeping up and then failed.
From Washington Post ● May 16, 2020
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
"Get the hand bilge pump going and I'll start the power pump with the electric light engine!"
From Boy Scouts in Southern Waters by Ralphson, G. Harvey (George Harvey)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
