What does BILGE mean?

Here is the requested information on the word "bilge": Parts of Speech

Noun, verb

Definitions

• Noun: the lowest part of a ships hull, where water collects and must be pumped out
• Noun: nonsense or foolishness
• Verb: (of water) accumulate in the bilge of a ship
• Verb: talk nonsense or foolishness

Pronunciations

• US: /bɪldʒ/
• UK: /bɪldʒ/

Origin and Usage

The word "bilge" comes from the Old French word "bille" meaning "log" or "tree trunk." It first appeared in English in the 16th century and has been used to describe the lowest part of a ships hull since the 17th century. The figurative sense of "nonsense" or "foolishness" dates back to the 18th century.

Synonyms

• nonsense
• drivel
• balderdash
• poppycock

Related Words

• blaze
• blime
• gimel
• glime
• gloze

Example Sentences

• The bilge of the ship was full of water and needed to be pumped out.
• He was talking bilge and no one was paying attention.
• The water was starting to bilge in the bottom of the boat.
• She dismissed his argument as bilge and refused to engage with him further.