forepeak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2
UK/ˈfɔː.piːk/US/ˈfɔːr.piːk/

Technical / Nautical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “forepeak” mean?

The forward-most compartment at the bow of a ship, below deck.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

The forward-most compartment at the bow of a ship, below deck.

A small storage space in the front part of a vessel, often used for stowing ropes, cables, or chain.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Identical in meaning, spelling, and technical usage. No significant variation.

Connotations

Purely functional, with no regional connotative differences.

Frequency

Equally rare outside nautical contexts in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “forepeak” in a Sentence

The forepeak of [ship name]in the forepeakforepeak [noun] (e.g., forepeak tank)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
chain lockerbowcompartment
medium
floodedaccesssmallforward
weak
storageropecable

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in naval architecture, maritime history, and technical ship descriptions.

Everyday

Extremely rare. Used only by sailors, boat builders, or maritime enthusiasts.

Technical

Standard term in ship design, construction, and operation manuals.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “forepeak”

Strong

chain lockerbow compartment

Neutral

forward compartment

Weak

forward hold

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “forepeak”

afterpeakstern compartment

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “forepeak”

  • Spelling as 'fourpeak' or 'forepeek'. Using it to describe the front of a building or vehicle.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

It is a single, closed compound word: 'forepeak'.

Yes, even small vessels can have a forepeak, though it might be a very cramped space.

Commonly anchors, chains, ropes, cables, and sometimes water or fuel tanks.

The opposite compartment at the very back of the ship is called the 'afterpeak'.

The forward-most compartment at the bow of a ship, below deck.

Forepeak is usually technical / nautical in register.

Forepeak: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔː.piːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːr.piːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: FORE (front) + PEAK (point) = the pointy front compartment of a ship.

Conceptual Metaphor

CONTAINER (a bounded space for specific storage).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The sailors went to check the anchor chain in the .
Multiple Choice

What is a 'forepeak'?