bulkhead

noun

bulk·​head ˈbəlk-ˌhed How to pronounce bulkhead (audio) ˈbəl-ˌked How to pronounce bulkhead (audio)
1
: an upright partition separating compartments
2
: a structure or partition to resist pressure or to shut off water, fire, or gas
3
: a retaining wall along a waterfront
4
: a projecting framework with a sloping door giving access to a cellar stairway or a shaft

Examples of bulkhead in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mud and sand inundated the Long Beach Peninsula as waves breached the boardwalk’s protective timber bulkhead. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026 On Sunday, officials said wave activity overtopped the bulkhead, so portable pumps were brought in to help remove water that flooded some homes and streets. — Austin Turner, CBS News, 11 Oct. 2026 In Long Beach, waves breached a bulkhead, flooding homes and nearby streets, according to the Long Beach Post and videos posted online. — N. Kirkpatrick, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 The airline does not allow travelers with pets to sit in exit rows, bulkhead seats, or other seats with restricted underseat storage. — Sarah Kuta, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bulkhead

Word History

Etymology

bulk (structure projecting from a building) + head

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bulkhead was in the 15th century

Rhymes for bulkhead

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Browse Nearby Words

bulk eraser
bulkhead
bulkhead deck
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bulkhead.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bulkhead. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bulkhead

noun
bulk·​head ˈbəlk-ˌhed How to pronounce bulkhead (audio)
1
: a wall separating compartments
2
: an external structure with a sloping door leading to the cellar stairway of a house

More from Merriam-Webster on bulkhead

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bulkhead

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