Definition

1. Noun:

   • A structure for crossing: A physical construction built over a river, road, railway, or other obstacle to allow people or vehicles to cross from one side to the other.
   • The upper bony part of the nose: The hard, arched ridge that forms the top part of the human nose between the eyes.
   • A connection or link: Something that provides a connection between two separate things, ideas, or periods.
   • A card game: Any of various games for four players, based on whist, involving bidding and trick-taking.
   • The part of eyeglasses: The part that rests on the bridge of the nose, connecting the two lenses.
   • A partial denture: A dental restoration that replaces missing teeth, anchored to the natural teeth on either side of the gap.
   • A support on a stringed instrument: A wooden piece on instruments like violins or guitars that holds the strings above the body.
   • A ship's command center: The upper deck or platform from which a ship is steered and commanded.
   • An electrical circuit: A circuit configuration, often in a diamond shape, used for measuring electrical properties.

2. Verb:

   • To build or form a bridge over: To construct or span a gap with a bridge.
   • To connect or link: To reduce the distance or difference between two separate things, ideas, or groups.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The old stone bridge across the river is a historic landmark.
  • He gently touched the bridge of his nose.
  • Cultural exchanges can serve as a bridge between nations.
  • They play bridge every Thursday evening.
  • The bridge of her glasses was too tight.

• Verb:

  • The engineers plan to bridge the canyon with a new suspension structure.
  • The new policy aims to bridge the gap between rich and poor.

Advanced Usage

• "To bridge a gap": To reduce or eliminate a difference or lack of connection.

  • The scholarship program was created to bridge the gap in educational access.

• "To cross that bridge when one comes to it": To deal with a problem only when it actually happens, not before.

  • We don't know if funding will be approved, so let's cross that bridge when we come to it.

Variants and Related Words

• Bridging (adj/n): Serving to connect or fill a gap.

  • The workshop served as a bridging activity between the two modules.

• Bridgehead (n): A strong position secured in enemy territory, often used as a starting point for further advance.

• Drawbridge (n): A type of bridge that can be raised or lowered to allow or block passage.

Synonyms

• Noun (Structure): Viaduct, overpass, span, arch.
• Noun (Connection): Link, bond, tie, liaison.
• Verb: Connect, span, link, unite, overcome.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Bridge over: To make a temporary connection or to help someone through a difficult period.
  • This loan should bridge us over until the next payment arrives.

Related Idioms

• "Water under the bridge": Past events, especially problems or conflicts, that are finished and no longer important.
  • Yes, we argued, but that's all water under the bridge now.

Noun

1. an upper deck where a ship is steered and the captain stands
2. the link between two lenses; rests on the nose
3. a denture anchored to teeth on either side of missing teeth
4. a wooden support that holds the strings up
5. any of various card games based on whist for four players
6. the hard ridge that forms the upper part of the nose
   • her glasses left marks on the bridge of her nose
7. something resembling a bridge in form or function
   • his letters provided a bridge across the centuries
8. a circuit consisting of two branches (4 arms arranged in a diamond configuration) across which a meter is connected
9. a structure that allows people or vehicles to cross an obstacle such as a river or canal or railway etc.

Verb

1. cross over on a bridge
2. make a bridge across
   • bridge a river
3. connect or reduce the distance between