# gangway

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɡæŋweɪ/ · frequency rank #52,341

## Definitions
1. A passageway through which to enter or leave.
2. A passageway through which to enter or leave.
3. A passageway through which to enter or leave.
4. An articulating bridge or ramp, such as from land to a dock or a ship.
5. A passage along either side of a ship's upper deck.
6. 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.
7. A temporary passageway, such as one made of planks.
8. A clear path through a crowd or a passageway with people.
9. An earthen and plank ramp leading from the stable yard into the upper storey or mow of a dairy barn.

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

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/gangway