a place to sleep on a ship, train, or caravan, a space in a port where a ship can be tied up, a position or role assigned to someone

give someone a wide berth, berth and board, berth of a ship

Formal and Informal Expressions of berth

In different contexts, you can replace 'berth' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'position, role' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'spot, place' is a commonplace synonym.

berth: Explore its Definition & Usage

berth Definition

1a place to sleep on a ship, train, or caravan
2a space in a port where a ship can be tied up
3a position or role assigned to someone

Using berth: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "berth" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
We had a comfortable berth on the overnight train.
Example
The ship was tied up at its berth in the harbor.
Example
He was given a new berth as head of the department.

berth Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for berth

Antonyms for berth

Phrases with berth

give someone a wide berth
to avoid someone or something
Example
I always give that dog a wide berth because it looks dangerous.
berth and board
accommodation and meals provided, especially on a ship
Example
The sailors were promised a good wage and berth and board for the duration of the voyage.
berth of a ship
the distance between the two extreme points of a ship's length
Example
The berth of the Titanic was 882 feet long.

Origins of berth

from Middle English 'berthe', meaning 'a place for a ship to lie at anchor'

📌

Summary: berth in Brief

The term 'berth' [bɜːθ] refers to a sleeping place on a ship, train, or caravan, a space in a port for docking, or a position or role assigned to someone. It is often used in phrases like 'give someone a wide berth,' meaning to avoid someone or something, and 'berth and board,' referring to accommodation and meals provided, especially on a ship.