gangway
gangway — noun
1. the narrow walking area that separates each row of seating in a theatre, bus, ai
the narrow walking area that separates each row of seating in a theatre, bus, aircraft, or cinema, giving people a path to their own seats
The flight attendant walked slowly down the gangway, checking each seat belt.
collocation: down the gangway
A suitcase left in the gangway could trip someone during an emergency exit.
passive: left in the gangway
Passengers stood in the gangway because the crowded bus had no empty seats.
Xiu squeezed past the people blocking the gangway to reach her window seat.
- aisle
the standard term in American English and in retail contexts; 'gangway' is more common in British English for transport
用法筆記
In American English, 'aisle' is far more common than 'gangway' for this meaning.
常見錯誤
2. a movable bridge or sloping board that passengers and crew walk across to get on
a movable bridge or sloping board that passengers and crew walk across to get on or off a ship when it is in port
The passengers walked carefully across the gangway to reach the wooden dock.
collocation: across the gangway
A strong gust of wind made the gangway sway while the crew carried luggage aboard.
collocation: made the gangway sway
The captain stood at the top of the gangway to welcome visitors onto the ship.
Adina held onto the rope railing while crossing the narrow gangway to the ferry.
- gangplank
a narrower, often wooden version; more common in older or smaller vessels
- boarding bridge
a more modern, enclosed structure at ferry terminals
用法筆記
Also called a 'gangplank', especially when referring to a narrow wooden board rather than a larger metal or enclosed bridge.
常見錯誤
gangway — exclamation
1. a loud word shouted in a crowd to tell people to move aside quickly so you can g
a loud word shouted in a crowd to tell people to move aside quickly so you can get through
"Gangway!" yelled the paramedic as she rushed through the hospital corridor with a stretcher.
quoted speech + narrative framing
The delivery driver shouted "Gangway!" and the crowd quickly parted to let him pass.
"Gangway! Hot trays coming through!" called the cook as he pushed the kitchen door open.
The children heard a loud "Gangway!" and jumped aside before the heavy trolley rolled past.
- make way
a less abrupt, more general command; common in both British and American English
- coming through
a friendly warning rather than a command; used in crowded spaces
用法筆記
Primarily British English. In American English, 'Make way!' or 'Coming through!' are more common equivalents. Do not use 'gangway' as a polite request — it is an urgent shout.