gangplank

[ gang-plangk ]

noun

1. a flat plank or small, movable, bridgelike structure for use by persons boarding or leaving a ship at a pier.

gangplank

/ ˈɡæŋˌplæŋk /

noun

1. nautical a portable bridge for boarding and leaving a vessel at dockside

Word History and Origins

Origin of gangplank¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; gang ¹ + plank

Example Sentences

Somewhere beyond our portholes the gangplank rumbled down.

From Literature

“They will be taking her down the gangplank on a stretcher tomorrow, trussed up like a parcel.”

From Literature

Before we reached the gangplank at New York City, they dropped us once on cobblestones.

From Literature

Jack said he watched me until my feet disappeared over the gangplank …

From Seattle Times

The gangplank went up late in the afternoon and our connections with Honolulu, relatives, and friends were severed for the present, and undoubtedly it will be months, if not years, before we will be allowed to return …

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• link
• overpass
• platform