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Definition of hatchway

hatchway

/ˈhætʃ.weɪ/
hatch · way
Plural:hatchways
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hatchway Lexical Profile

hatchway Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An opening in the deck of a ship, or in the floor or roof of a building, providing access to the space below.

Example

"The crew quickly secured a heavy tarp over the main hatchway to prevent seawater from flooding the cargo hold."

2

The passage or stairway leading down through an opening in a deck or floor.

Example

"She carefully navigated the steep, dimly lit hatchway leading into the old cellar."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for hatchway

• Nearby Words

hatchetman
hatching
hatchling
hatchway
hate
hateable
hateful

Word Origin & Etymology

Mid 18th century. Formed by compounding 'hatch' (an opening in a deck or floor) and 'way' (passage), primarily originally used in nautical contexts.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hatchway. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hatchway
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