hatchway

[ hach-wey ]

noun

1. Nautical. hatch ²( def 1a ).
2. the opening of any trap door, as in a floor, ceiling, or roof.

hatchway

/ ˈhætʃˌweɪ /

noun

1. an opening in the deck of a vessel to provide access below
2. a similar opening in a wall, floor, ceiling, or roof, usually fitted with a lid or door

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchway¹

First recorded in 1620–30; hatch ² + way ¹

Example Sentences

As he emerged from the hatchway, the wind almost took him off his feet.

From Literature

I saw him come out on deck again with a tool-chest and a lantern, and go down the forward hatchway.

From Literature

A set of new hatchway doors for someone’s boat leaned up against my father’s workbench.

From Literature

Gibbon nods and puts more of his strange marks on the wall by the hatchway.

From Nature

The faintly lit hatchway lay in the dark of the yard like a grave yawning at judgment day in some old apocalyptic painting.

From Literature