forepeak: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Nautical
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
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”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forepeak”
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
What is a 'forepeak'?