gangplank

IPA/ˈɡæŋplæŋk/
KK[ɡˈæŋplˌæŋk]IPA/ˈɡæŋplæŋk/

gangplank — noun

  • gangplanksingular
  • gangplanksplural

1. a narrow walkway used when passengers step from the dock onto a ship, or leave i

1.nounC1
Definition

a narrow walkway used when passengers step from the dock onto a ship, or leave it.

Example

Christopher waved to the crew and stepped onto the gangplank from the pier.

step onto the gangplank from the pier

After the storm, sailors lowered the gangplank so the doctor could board.

lower the gangplank so someone can board

Common collocations
  • step onto the gangplank
  • walk down the gangplank
  • lower the gangplank
  • raise the gangplank
Synonyms
  • gangway

    a broader word for a passage or boarding walkway, not always this specific ship-to-shore bridge

  • boarding ramp

    more functional and modern, especially for a metal or mechanical structure

Grammar Patterns

step onto + the gangplank

walk down + the gangplank

lower/raise + the gangplank

Usage Note

Usually names the narrow bridge between a ship and a dock and often appears with verbs such as lower, raise, walk up, or walk down. It sounds more nautical and old-fashioned than the more general word gangway.

Common Mistakes

We climbed the gangplank to the train.
We climbed the gangplank to the ferry.
This noun is mainly used for ships and similar boats, not for trains or ordinary buildings.