Hatchway - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A hatchway is an opening or doorway in a floor, ceiling, or deck, often fitted with a cover, used for access between levels on ships or buildings.
Definition:
An opening in a ship's deck or aircraft's floor providing access below.
Synonyms:
hatch, opening, trapdoor, access point
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
closure, seal
Common Collocations:
ship's hatchway, secure hatchway, open hatchway, escape hatchway
Derivatives:
hatchways (plural), hatchwayed (rare)
Usage Tips:
Use "hatchway" to describe a covered or uncovered entry point on ships or aircraft; avoid for general doors or windows.
Common Phrases:
batten down the hatchways, through the hatchway, escape through the hatchway
Etymology:
Derived from "hatch" (opening) + "way" (path), first used in nautical contexts in the 17th century.
Examples:
- 1. The sailors climbed through the narrow hatchway to reach the lower deck.
- 2. She secured the hatchway before the storm hit to prevent water from entering.
- 3. The cargo was loaded into the ship via the large rear hatchway.
- 4. A faint light shone from the open hatchway leading to the basement.