1. the lowest parts of a ship’s hull where water collects
Usage: nautical
2. water that collects in the bottom of a boat or ship
Usage: nautical

1. to take in water in the bilge
Usage: nautical
2. to damage the bilge of a ship
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The crew pumped water from the bilges every morning.
• Bilges must be kept clean to prevent odors and corrosion.
• The old boat’s bilges were full of murky water.
• Regular inspection of the bilges is essential for safety.
• The ship bilges after hitting the reef.
• Heavy seas caused the vessel to bilge slightly.