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

See Examples For:

hatchway

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

Any Hornblower student worth his salt pork knows that the most likely author of Sawyer's assist down the hatchway was Henry Wellard.

From Time Magazine Archive

But in that instant a harsh call from the hatchway sent her scurrying.

From "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare