a passage through which to enter or leave, typically one that is boarded up or closed off at night, a temporary bridge for getting on and off a ship at dockside, a clear path through a crowd

make way (for someone or something), give way (to someone or something), get out of the way

gangway ladder, gangway watch, clear the gangway

Formal and Informal Expressions of gangway

In different contexts, you can replace 'gangway' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'passage, corridor' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'aisle, walkway' is a commonplace synonym.

gangway: Explore its Definition & Usage

gangway Definition

1a passage through which to enter or leave, typically one that is boarded up or closed off at night
2a temporary bridge for getting on and off a ship at dockside
3a clear path through a crowd

Using gangway: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "gangway" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
Please clear the gangway so passengers can disembark.
Example
The gangway was lowered and the crew began unloading the cargo.
Example
We had to make our way through the crowded gangway to get to our seats.

gangway Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for gangway

Idioms Using gangway

make way (for someone or something)
to move aside or create space for someone or something to pass through
Example
The crowd made way for the ambulance to get through the street.
give way (to someone or something)
to yield or surrender to someone or something
Example
The company gave way to public pressure and withdrew their controversial product from the market.
get out of the way
to move aside or step back to allow someone or something to pass through
Example
The teacher told the students to get out of the way so she could see the whiteboard.

Phrases with gangway

gangway ladder
a ladder used to board or leave a ship from the side
Example
The sailors climbed down the gangway ladder to board the small boat.
gangway watch
a group of sailors responsible for monitoring the gangway and ensuring the safety of the ship
Example
The captain ordered the gangway watch to be extra vigilant during the storm.
clear the gangway
a command given to clear the passage for people to enter or exit
Example
The captain announced over the intercom, 'Please clear the gangway for disembarking passengers.'

Origins of gangway

from Old English 'gangweg', meaning 'a way for going, thoroughfare'

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Summary: gangway in Brief

The term 'gangway' [ˈɡaŋweɪ] refers to a passage through which to enter or leave, such as a temporary bridge for boarding a ship or a clear path through a crowd. It can also refer to a passage that is boarded up or closed off at night. Phrases like 'gangway ladder' and 'gangway watch' are specific to nautical contexts, while idioms like 'make way' and 'give way' denote yielding or creating space for someone or something.