barge
UK: bɑːdʒ | US: bɑːrdʒ
Definition
n. a large flat-bottomed boat used for transporting goods or people on rivers or canals
vt. to move forcefully or clumsily
Structure
barg <boat>e <silent>
Etymology
barge = barg<boat> + e<silent>
- barg<boat>: Derived from Old French barge, from Late Latin barga, likely of Celtic origin (related to Welsh barc "small boat").
- e<silent>: A silent vowel ending common in English words of French origin.
Etymology Origin:
The word barge traces back to Celtic and Latin roots, originally referring to small boats. Over time, it evolved in Old French to denote larger flat-bottomed vessels, a meaning retained in English. The silent -e reflects its French linguistic heritage.
Examples
The cargo was loaded onto the barge for transport down the river.
He barged into the meeting without knocking.
The wedding party arrived by decorated barge.
She barged past the crowd to reach the front.
The canal was crowded with barges carrying coal.