“Berth” or “Birth”—Which to use?

“Berth” or “Birth”

Overview

berth / birth are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

berth: (noun) a bed on a ship or train; usually in tiers. (verb) provide with a berth.

birth: (noun) the time when something begins (especially life). (noun) the event of being born. (noun) a baby born; an offspring.

Pronunciation

berth: b·ER·th

birth: b·ER·th

Trends

📈 See Trends

Looking for a tool that handles this for you wherever you write?

Get Sapling

Examples in Context

Examples of “berth”

…suit the restraints of each berth, in doing so this limits…
Each rail ferry berth has to be specifically designed…
…that could not use a berth that had the submerged tank…
…Portland was awarded an expansion berth to Major League Soccer.
…Athens by receiving a continental berth from the African Championships in…
…matches and securing a play-off berth for the first time.
…and a CONCACAF Champions League berth.
…gubernatorial campaign, seeking a runoff berth in a crowded field.
There was one fixed berth in first class compartments and…
…of the vessels using the berth as well as an eccentricity…

Examples of “birth”

Category:Place of birth missing
Programme 1: The Birth of Rock
Strangled From Birth and Beyond is a compilation…
…a South Sudanese National by birth, if at the time of…
…a South Sudanese National by birth."
Category:Place of birth missing (living people)
…a South Sudanese National by birth if his or her father…
…being courted by and giving birth to the Horned God.
…a South Sudanese National by birth if such person meets any…
…and roll's contribution to the birth of rock.

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

Too Much to Remember?

Install Sapling