What does gangway mean?
Gangway is a nautical and aviation term for a passage or boarding structure used when people enter or leave a ship or aircraft. At sea, it may mean a temporary ramp or bridge connecting a quay to a vessel, or a permanent route along the ship, often stairs, that links different decks. In aviation, the term can refer to the portable stairs or platform used for passengers or crew to board a plane. The word is neutral and technical rather than literary, and it appears in both British and American English. Although gangplank is often substituted for it, gangway is more versatile: it can describe a whole access route, not merely a single plank. Its literal sense as a “way” made by a “gang” of planks makes it a particularly memorable word, while its use at sea and in aviation gives it a practical, international character.
nounA movable ramp or platform providing access between a ship or aircraft and the ground; also, a passageway along a ship, often containing stairs.
- A movable bridge, ramp, or platform used to board or leave a ship or aircraft.
- A passageway along a ship, often a stairway connecting different decks.
- A portable stairway or platform used for passengers or crew to enter an aircraft.
"The crew lowered the gangway so that the passengers could come aboard."
"A narrow gangway extended from the ship to the pier."
"The flight attendant waited at the top of the aircraft's gangway."
The regular plural is gangways, with the consonant sound of y retained before the ending.
"Two separate gangways were positioned at the ship's side."
Gangway literally describes a way made by a gang of planks—and still names the route that gets people aboard.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gangway come from?
The compound dates from the early 17th century and is formed from gang and way. Its earliest use referred to a passage formed by a gang of planks. It subsequently developed the broader nautical sense of a movable boarding bridge and the related sense of a passageway between decks.
How gangway is actually used
Gangway is a neutral technical term in maritime, aviation, and transport contexts. It is standard in both British and American English and can sound more general or descriptive than the more specific term gangplank.
Easily confused with gangway
A gangplank is specifically a narrow movable plank used for boarding, whereas gangway can also denote a broader platform or a permanent passageway between decks.