companionway

noun

com·​pan·​ion·​way kəm-ˈpan-yən-ˌwā How to pronounce companionway (audio)
: a ship's stairway from one deck to another

Examples of companionway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The companionways between two primary decks are so narrow that only one person at a time can use them. Kenny Holston, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2024 After penning several layouts, the team settled on an open-plan interior that sees the aft cabins flow onto the main living section and the chart table tucked behind the companionway. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2022 The continuous glass band under the coach roof and glass hatches as well as the companionway door are really well done. Bill Springer, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2021 The aft-facing companionway doors angle upwards and double as skylights. Bill Springer, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2021 Scores of men caught in the intricate maze of compartments and companionways belowdecks are trapped and die, many of them needlessly. John McCain, Popular Mechanics, 27 Aug. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'companionway.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

companion entry 3

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of companionway was in 1742

Dictionary Entries Near companionway

Cite this Entry

“Companionway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/companionway. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

companionway

noun
com·​pan·​ion·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce companionway (audio)
: a ship's stairway from one deck to another
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