What does gangplank mean?
A gangplank is a movable plank or narrow bridge laid between a ship and a dock or shore so that people can board or leave. The term also has a figurative meaning: a means of gaining access to an otherwise closed position, organization, or opportunity. In political and organizational contexts, this often implies using an influential connection, a prominent issue, or another intermediary. The related verb gangplank is especially associated with North American informal usage and means using someone or something as such a route. Although the expression sounds nautical and literal, its figurative use conveys both opportunity and a degree of strategic maneuvering. A gangplank bypasses a barrier rather than removing it, which explains the word's lasting appeal: it is a compact image for privileged access, informal advancement, or a practical means of reaching shore.
A movable plank or narrow bridge connecting a ship with a dock or shore. By extension, it is a means of gaining access to a position, organization, or opportunity.
"A gangplank gave the officials access to the ship."
The figurative sense often suggests access obtained through an intermediary or strategic connection.
To use someone, something, or an issue as a means of gaining access, opportunity, or advantage.
"He tried to gangplank his old contacts to gain access to the publisher."
Informal and especially common in North American political and organizational contexts.
The standard regular plural is used for multiple boards or for figurative routes of access.
"The workers arranged gangplanks for the arriving passengers."
From a ship-to-shore plank to a route into power: gangplank neatly names a bridge that bypasses a barrier.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gangplank come from?
The word was formed in early-19th-century English as a compound of gang and plank, denoting a temporary boarding bridge between a ship and shore. Gang comes from Old Norse gangr through earlier Germanic forms, while plank entered Middle English from Middle Dutch planks and Old French plane, ultimately from Latin planus, meaning flat or level. The related English forms gangway and gangboard express the same broad nautical idea and incorporate the element gang, but they are distinct words rather than inflections of gangplank.
Related word forms
How gangplank is actually used
The literal noun is neutral maritime vocabulary in both British and American English. Its figurative use often implies facilitated or privileged access, sometimes through an influential intermediary. The verb is informal and especially associated with North American political and organizational usage.
Easily confused with gangplank
A gangplank is typically a narrow, removable board connecting a ship to a dock or shore, whereas a gangway is generally a more structured passage between a ship and a quay.