2a fixed bed or bunk on a ship, train, or other means of transport.
3 informal (often in a sports context) a situation or position in an organization or event:today’s victory clinched a berth for the Orioles in the playoffs
verb
[with object]
1moor (a ship) in its allotted place:these modern ships can almost berth themselves
[no object] (of a ship) dock:the Dutch freighter berthed at the Brooklyn docks
2(of a passenger ship) provide a sleeping place for (someone).
Phrases
give a wide berth
steer (a ship) well clear of something while passing it:ships are advised to give a wide berth to the Outer Banks
stay away from someone or something:I’d sworn to give women a wide berth
Origin:
early 17th century (in the sense 'adequate sea room'): probably from a nautical use of bear1 + -th2
