what is the berth of a ship
berth. 1  a shelflike sleeping space, as on a ship, airplane, or railroad car. 2  Nautical. the space allotted to a vessel at anchor or at a wharf. the distance maintained between a vessel and the shore, another vessel, or any object. the position or rank of a ship's officer. the cabin of a ship's officer. 3  a job; position.