1. the forward compartments or sections in the bow of a ship
Usage: nautical; plural form

Examples

• The crew stored extra rope and equipment in the forepeaks.
• Water had leaked into both forepeaks during the storm.
• The ship’s forepeaks were inspected for damage after running aground.
• Emergency supplies were kept in the sealed forepeaks.
• The captain ordered the forepeaks to be pumped dry.
• Access to the forepeaks was through a narrow hatch on deck.