gangway

American  

[gang-wey, gang-wey] / ˈgæŋˌweɪ, ˈgæŋˈweɪ /

noun

1. a passageway, especially a narrow walkway.

2. Nautical.

   1. an opening in the railing or bulwark of a ship, as that into which a gangplank fits.

   2. a gangplank.

   3. an area of the weather deck of a ship, between the side and a deckhouse.

   4. accommodation ladder.

3. Railroads.

   1. the space between the cab of a steam locomotive and its tender.

   2. the side entrance of a diesel or electric locomotive.

4. British.

   1. an aisle in a theater, restaurant, etc.

   2. an aisle in the House of Commons separating the more influential members of the political parties from the younger, less influential members.

   3. a runway in a theater.

5. a temporary path of planks, as at a building site.

6. Mining. a main passage or level.

7. Also called logway.  the ramp up which logs are moved into a sawmill.

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interjection

1. clear the way! out of the way!

gangway British  

/ ˈɡæŋˌweɪ /

noun

1. an opening in a ship's side to take a gangplank

2. another word for gangplank

3. an aisle between rows of seats

4. Also called: logway.  a ramp for logs leading into a sawmill

5. a main passage in a mine

6. temporary planks over mud or earth, as on a building site

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1. clear a path!

Other Word Forms

• gangwayed adjective

Etymology

Origin of gangway

1680–90; gang ¹ + way ¹; not continuous with Old English gangweg

Example Sentences

Local authorities said the gangway has been secured and the incident is under investigation.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2024

Without glancing back, he took the gangway up to the helipad.

From Slate • Dec. 16, 2023

I was on my way off, had cleared the gangway and was outside when I heard my name on the loudspeaker.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2023

On Tuesday, Mr. Shaddock, 54, walked down the gangway of the Maria Delia, the Mexican tuna trawler that had rescued him, and began to recount his remarkable story of survival.

From New York Times • Jul. 18, 2023

And standing at the gangway is a familiar figure.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman