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Definition of gangplank

gangplank

/ˈɡæŋ.plæŋk/
gang · plank
Plural:gangplanks
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gangplank Lexical Profile

gangplank Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A movable board, ramp, or bridge used by passengers and crew to board or disembark from a ship or boat.

Example

"The passengers waited eagerly on the dock for the crew to lower the gangplank so they could board the cruise ship."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for gangplank

Word Nuance & Usage

Often used interchangeably with 'gangway' in nautical contexts, though historically a gangway referred to the opening in the ship's bulwarks, while the gangplank was the physical board placed through it.

• Nearby Words

ganga
ganges
gangetic
gangplank
gannet
gar
garage

Word Origin & Etymology

Originated in the mid-19th century as a compound of 'gang' (retaining its older meaning of 'passage' or 'path', from Old English 'gang') and 'plank'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Gangplank. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/gangplank
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