areaway

American  

[air-ee-uh-wey] / ˈɛər i əˌweɪ /

noun

1. a sunken area leading to a cellar or basement entrance, or in front of basement or cellar windows.

2. a passageway, especially one between buildings.

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areaway British  

/ ˈɛərɪəˌweɪ /

noun

1. a passageway between parts of a building or between different buildings

2. See area

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Etymology

Origin of areaway

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900; area + way ¹

Example Sentences

They reached an areaway, separated from the consulate by an iron fence, just as three Russians burst out of the consulate's back door.

From Time Magazine Archive

I left the kitchen and went into the back areaway to breathe.

From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright

Bill heard his steps and concealed himself in the areaway.

From A Boy Knight by Scott, Martin Jerome

Directly, from almost beneath his feet, came the sound of an areaway window being unlatched, and a drowsy female somewhat crossly inquired to know who might be there and what might be wanted.

From The Life of the Party by Preston, James M.

Let's jump down, run alongside the house by the areaway, and get out on the street.

From The Little Washingtons' Travels by Roy, Lillian Elizabeth