companionway

[kuhm-pan-yuhn-wey]

noun

Nautical.

1. a stair or ladder within the hull of a vessel.

2. the space occupied by this stair or ladder.

companionway

/ kəmˈpænjənˌweɪ /

noun

1. a stairway or ladder leading from one deck to another in a boat or ship

Word History and Origins

Origin of companionway¹

First recorded in 1830–40; companion ² + way ¹

Example Sentences

Tom Owens stumbled up a companionway yelling, “We’ve sprung a leak!”

From Literature

I imagined them in the galley, mess halls, companionways, sail locker, engine room.

From Salon

With a tether connecting her to the 30-foot sailboat, she crouched down in the entrance to the companionway and stayed out of harm’s way while her father trimmed the sail.

From Seattle Times

The jamb was splitting on the inside and it finally gave way and he pushed it open and stepped down the companionway into the cabin.

From Literature

The Shivering Soldier smashes his elbow into George’s face, sending him flying backwards down the companionway —

From New York Times