noun

berth

berth, bunk, mooring, position

I booked a lower berth on the train.

I booked a lower berth on the train.

The ship pulled into its berth.

The ship pulled into its berth.

He secured a berth on the new team.

He secured a berth on the new team.

a berth on ((sth.)) a place to sleep on a vehicle I booked a lower berth on the train.

to secure a berth to get a position on a team or in a competition He secured a berth on the new team.

to give ((sb./sth.)) a wide berth to stay far away from (sb./sth.) You should give that dog a wide berth.

Synonyms: bunk (for a bed), mooring (for a ship), position, spot

From Middle English, of uncertain origin, but possibly related to 'bear' in the sense of a place that 'bears' or holds a ship.

Sounds like 'birth'. Think of a ship finding its 'birth' place in the harbor, or you getting a 'birth' of a new position on a team.

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