Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

barge

Syllabification: (barge)
Pronunciation: /bärj/
Translate barge | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of barge

noun

  • a flat-bottomed boat for carrying freight, typically on canals and rivers, either under its own power or towed by another.
  • a long ornamental boat used for pleasure or ceremony.
  • a boat used by the chief officers of a warship.

verb

  • 1 [no object] move forcefully or roughly:we can’t just barge into a private garden
  • (barge in) intrude or interrupt rudely or awkwardly:sorry to barge in on your cozy evening
  • (chiefly in a sporting context) collide with:displays of dissent, such as deliberately barging into the umpire
  • 2 [with object] convey (freight) by barge.

Origin:

Middle English (denoting a small seagoing vessel): from Old French, perhaps ultimately from Greek baris 'Egyptian boat'

barge in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of barge in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …