hatchway

American  

[hach-wey] / ˈhætʃˌweɪ /

noun

1. Nautical. hatch.

2. the opening of any trap door, as in a floor, ceiling, or roof.

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hatchway British  

/ ˈhætʃˌweɪ /

noun

1. an opening in the deck of a vessel to provide access below

2. a similar opening in a wall, floor, ceiling, or roof, usually fitted with a lid or door

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Etymology

Origin of hatchway

First recorded in 1620–30; hatch ² + way ¹

Example Sentences

It was nonetheless immortalized in Lightfoot’s lyrics: “At 7 p.m., a main hatchway caved in, he said, ‘Fellas, it’s been good to know ya.’

From Slate • Nov. 10, 2025

Gibbon nods and puts more of his strange marks on the wall by the hatchway.

From Nature • Apr. 2, 2019

We entered frosty courts by a secret hatchway and waved wooden racquets in majestic arcs, a ceremony akin to polar explorers chiselling out ice caves.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 18, 2016

One of the men, who was getting ready for a shower, ran up the hatchway and into the flame.

From Time Magazine Archive

I saw him come out on deck again with a tool-chest and a lantern, and go down the forward hatchway.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker