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

I imagined them in the galley, mess halls, companionways, sail locker, engine room.

From Salon

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

The Shivering Soldier smashes his elbow into George’s face, sending him flying backwards down the companionway —

From New York Times

Down some stairs, or a companionway, there was a small saloon where John Faa was talking quietly with Nicholas Rokeby, the gyptian in charge of the vessel.

From Literature

At race HQ at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in upmarket Darling Point, Mr Stain clambers down a narrow companionway, where below deck Samskara seems surprisingly spacious and comfortable.

From BBC