gangway - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
gangway Word Meanings
- a passageway for people to move through
- a platform for boarding a ship or aircraft
- an opening allowing access or movement in a crowded situation
gangway Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
gangway Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɡæŋ.weɪ/
US
/ˈɡæŋ.weɪ/
gangway Word Etymology
(a) 'gang' (walk) + 'way' (path). (b) Originated from Middle English 'gangwe' from Old Norse 'gan' meaning 'to walk'. (c) Picture yourself walking down a narrow passageway, flanked on either side by bustling crowds, illustrating the role of the gangway as a pathway through a busy scene.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
A gangway is a narrow, clearly designated passage that lets people move safely from one place to another. In a ship or ferry, the gangway is the sheltered walkway you step onto when boarding or disembarking, often marked with ropes or rails and supervised by crew. In airports, a gangway (or jet bridge) connects the terminal with the aircraft so passengers can walk directly from the gate. The term also appears in crowded venues, where a temporary gangway may be opened to improve access or create a controlled path through a crowd. Knowing the word helps clarify how people move through built environments.
Usage Reminders
- Pronounce as GAN-way; use for ships, airports, and crowd paths
- Differentiate from jet bridge and gangplank
- One word, not two words or hyphenated
- Think of it as a moving path, not a ladder
- Use with safety context in manuals or charts
- Note occasional crowd-control use in events
Common Misconceptions
- It always means a path on a ship; other uses are rare
- It is the same as a jet bridge
- It refers to a decorative railing rather than a passage
- It is often used to mean a broad walkway or aisle
- It can replace a staircase in any building
Thinking Differences
In English, gangway is a concrete, functional word tied to transport contexts. Learners often think of it as a generic aisle and apply it to any crowd passage, which sounds odd. Typical mistakes include using gangway for indoor corridors or confusing it with a jet bridge or walkway.
Learning Tips
- Visualize gangway as a moving walkway
- Learn its role vs jet bridge and gangplank
- Note collocations: safety, boarding, access
- Practice with maritime and airport contexts
- Watch diagrams showing passenger flow
- Listen for pronunciation stress on WAy
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'gangway'?
A.It means to ignore someone.
B.It is a term used to describe a type of music.
C.It refers to a narrow pathway used to provide access.
D.It describes a type of weather phenomenon.
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'gangway' in a sentence.
A.The band played their new hit song on the gangway.
B.Please clear the gangway so the passengers can board the train.
C.He decided to read his book while standing in the gangway.
D.She brought her lunch to eat at the gangway.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'gangway'?
A.Path
B.Reserve
C.Sculpture
D.Instrument
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'gangway'?
A.Blockage
B.Access
C.Bridge
D.Route
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context involving a pathway or access?
A.At the concert, the crowd was moved to a restricted area.
B.As the ship approached the dock, crew members began to direct traffic.
C.He had to find another way when the entrance was blocked.
D.The road was closed due to flooding, making it impassable.
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