Definition

Noun: 1. A small storage compartment or locker on a boat or ship: Specifically, a small, often cramped, locker or storage space located at the stern (rear) of a boat or between the decks of a ship, used for stowing gear, tools, or personal items.

Usage Examples

• The sailor retrieved a spare rope from the glory hole.
• We keep the fishing tackle in the glory hole at the back of the boat.
• Check the glory hole between decks for the extra life jackets.

Advanced Usage

• In modern, non-nautical slang, the term "glory hole" has a very different and explicit sexual meaning, referring to a hole in a wall or partition used for anonymous sexual activity. It is critical to understand the context to avoid confusion or offense. The definition provided here is the original, technical nautical term.

Variants and Related Words

• Locker: A general term for a storage compartment, often larger or more formal than a glory hole.
• Storage Locker: A more formal and descriptive term for a compartment used for storage.
• Lazarette (or Lazaretto): A specific type of storage space in the stern of a ship, often used for provisions or spare parts, which can be synonymous with or similar to a glory hole.

Synonyms

• Locker
• Storage compartment
• Storeroom (though this typically implies a larger space)
• Cubbyhole

Notes on Different Meanings

This word has two distinct and unrelated meanings: 1. Nautical Term (Primary definition here): A small storage locker on a vessel. 2. Vulgar Slang: A hole in a wall for anonymous sexual acts. This usage is far more common in contemporary informal contexts than the nautical one. Extreme caution is advised when using this term, as it is almost exclusively associated with the slang meaning outside of specific maritime contexts.

Noun

1. a small locker at the stern of a boat or between decks of a ship