bulkhead

noun

bulk·​head ˈbəlk-ˌhed  ˈbəl-ˌked 

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

The clip also shows roaches crawling around on the bulkhead near her seat. —Zach Wichter, USA Today, 13 May 2025

Many airlines equip their bulkhead rows with fold-down bassinets for infants under a certain weight. —Gary Stoller, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025

The owner’s suite includes a walk-in wardrobe, bathroom, and a full-length mirror that slides out of the bulkhead. —Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 3 Feb. 2025

Photo : William Edwards A view of the outdoor kitchen from the glass-walled bulkhead. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

bulk (structure projecting from a building) + head

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for bulkhead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

bulkhead

noun

bulk·​head ˈbəlk-ˌhed 

1

: a wall separating compartments

2

: an external structure with a sloping door leading to the cellar stairway of a house