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Definition of hatchway
hatchway
/ˈhætʃ.weɪ/
hatch · way
Plural:hatchways
hatchway Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
9
Tier
2
Usage
Rare
hatchway Game Scores & Validity
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WWF
Wordle Guess
• 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 hatchwayWord 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.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hatchway. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hatchway