bilge

Meaning

Noun

1. The rounded portion of a ship's hull, forming a transition between the bottom and the sides.
2. The lowest inner part of a ship's hull, where water accumulates.
3. The water accumulated in the bilge; bilge water.
4. (slang) Stupid talk or writing; nonsense.
5. The bulging part of a barrel or cask.

Verb

1. To spring a leak in the bilge.
2. To bulge or swell.
3. To break open the bilge(s) of.

Synonyms

bilge water

ship’s bottom

take in water

leak

nonsense

ooze

ridiculousness

rise

seep

spring a leak

bilged compartment

bilges

vector height

bulge

hold

Pronounced as (IPA)

/bɪld͡ʒ/

Etymology

Cognate with Middle English: bulgen

In summary

Likely derived from bulge. Compare Middle English bulgen (“to ground or scuttle a ship”).