Definition

1. Noun:
   • A passageway between seating areas: A clear path for walking between rows of seats, as found in a theater, auditorium, airplane, or bus.
   • A temporary bridge for boarding: A movable, often portable, bridge or ramp used for getting on and off a ship while it is docked.
   • A temporary walkway: A makeshift passage made of planks, typically used to cross over an uneven or muddy surface, such as on a construction site.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Please keep the gangway clear for other passengers.
  • The crew lowered the gangway so the passengers could disembark.
  • Workers laid down a gangway over the wet concrete.

Advanced Usage

• "Above the gangway": In British parliamentary context, this phrase historically referred to Members of Parliament who sat in the seats above the gangway aisle, often indicating stronger loyalty to their party's official policy.
• "Below the gangway": Similarly, this referred to MPs who sat in seats below the gangway, often indicating more independence from their party's official line.

Variants and Related Words

• Gangplank (n): A specific type of gangway; a movable plank used as a narrow bridge from a ship to the shore.
• Passageway (n): A general term for a corridor or path allowing passage from one place to another.

Synonyms

• Aisle: A passage between rows of seats (specific to seating areas).
• Jetway / Aerobridge: A movable connector extending from an airport gate to an airplane.
• Walkway: A path designed for walking.

Related Phrases

• "Mind the gangway!": An exclamation used to ask people to be careful or to clear a path, especially in a crowded or narrow space. This is the origin of the interjectional use meaning "excuse me" or "make way."
  • "Gangway! Coming through with a heavy load."

Idioms

• To cross the gangway: Literally, to walk across the gangway to board or leave a ship. It can be used metaphorically to signify transitioning from one state or group to another.
  • After years ashore, he was nervous to cross the gangway and return to life at sea.

Noun

1. passageway between seating areas as in an auditorium or passenger vehicle or between areas of shelves of goods as in stores
2. a temporary bridge for getting on and off a vessel at dockside
3. a temporary passageway of planks (as over mud on a building site)