hatchway

[ hach-wey ]
See synonyms for hatchway on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. Nautical. hatch2 (def. 1a).

  2. the opening of any trap door, as in a floor, ceiling, or roof.

Origin of hatchway

1
First recorded in 1620–30; hatch2 + way1

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use hatchway in a sentence

  • If therefore he should leave elevator shafts, or hatchways unguarded, he would be clearly liable for the consequences.

  • On the deck, forward and aft, are hatchways which give entrance to the bow and stern compartments respectively.

    Yachting Vol. 2 | Various.
  • Jack was stationed at one of the hatchways with the second mate checking off every box, bale, and package as it went down.

  • But a sudden burst of the sea, striking the vessel on the stern, demolished bulwarks and hatchways, and sent a flood within.

    Cuore (Heart) | Edmondo De Amicis
  • Finding the leak increase so fast found it necessary to turn all hands to the pumps and to bale at the different hatchways.

    Voyage of H.M.S. Pandora | Edward Edwards

British Dictionary definitions for hatchway

hatchway

/ (ˈhætʃˌweɪ) /


noun
  1. an opening in the deck of a vessel to provide access below

  2. a similar opening in a wall, floor, ceiling, or roof, usually fitted with a lid or door

  • Often shortened to: hatch

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012