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DictionarygangwayWalking passage
noun / interjection

gangway

GANG-way/ˈɡæŋweɪ/

A clear passage through which people can move.

The railed gangway provides a passage between the dock and the ship.

A sturdy gangway connects a dock to a moored passenger ship, clear railings.
Etymology
gangOld Englishgoing, passage
+wayOld Englishpath, way

Gang here preserves its old meaning of ‘going’ or ‘passage’: a gangway is a way for moving through. The general passage sense became specialized for routes on and onto ships.

In context

National Geographic48:25
We're just waiting for the gangway to drop, so that we can safely board the vessel.
Smuggling Illegal Drugs Across America | To Catch a Smuggler MEGA Episode

More examples

  • Please keep your bags out of the gangway.
  • The crew lowers the gangway so passengers can board.
  • She shouts “gangway!” as she pushes the loaded cart.

Forms

gangway · gangways

Similar words

passage
A broader term for a route through or between places.
walkway
A path designed for walking, often outdoors or between buildings.
aisle
A passage between rows of seats, shelves, or other objects.