gangway

Meaning

1. A passageway through which to enter or leave.
2. An aisle between rows of seating (especially in a train, aircraft or auditorium).
3. The dividing aisle between the rows of seats on either side of the House of Commons. Used chiefly with reference to terms such as below the gangway.
4. The narrow space between two buildings or houses, used to access the backyard/alleyway from the front.
5. An articulating bridge or ramp, such as from land to a dock or a ship.
6. A passage along either side of a ship's upper deck.
7. A passage through the side of a ship or an opening in the railing through which the ship may be boarded; (also in later use) a jet bridge.
8. A temporary passageway, such as one made of planks.
9. A clear path through a crowd or a passageway with people.
10. An earthen and plank ramp leading from the stable yard into the upper storey or mow of a dairy barn.
11. To serve as, furnish with, or conduct oneself as though proceeding on a gangway.
12. Make way! Clear a path!

Etymology / origin

From Middle English gangway, from Old English gangweġ (“passageway; thoroughfare”), equivalent to gang + way. Related to Dutch gang (“hallway”) and Norwegian gang (“hallway”).

Related words

Sources

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