companionway

American  

[kuhm-pan-yuhn-wey] / kəmˈpæn yənˌweɪ /

noun

Nautical.

1. a stair or ladder within the hull of a vessel.

2. the space occupied by this stair or ladder.

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companionway British  

/ kəmˈpænjənˌweɪ /

noun

1. a stairway or ladder leading from one deck to another in a boat or ship

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Etymology

Origin of companionway

First recorded in 1830–40; companion ² + way ¹

Example Sentences

With a tether connecting her to the 30-foot sailboat, she crouched down in the entrance to the companionway and stayed out of harm’s way while her father trimmed the sail.

From Seattle Times • May 28, 2021

One wave smashed through his companionway, flooded the boat, fried his electronics and sparked a small fire.

From Washington Post • Sep. 24, 2018

If you want to see how well a boat handles a chop, stand at the bottom of the companionway steps and have the helmsman open up the throttles.

From Time Magazine Archive

The companionway leads to a spacious and minimalist saloon, which has large windows and an unusual cherry interior.

From Time Magazine Archive

Once they were on, she had to go out on deck, and a minute later she opened the door at the top of the companionway and stepped out.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman