companionway

[kuh m-pan-yuh n-wey] /kəmˈpæn yənˌweɪ/
noun, Nautical
1.
a stair or ladder within the hull of a vessel.
2.
the space occupied by this stair or ladder.
Origin
1830-40; companion2 + way
Examples from the web for companionway
  • The acrid smell of vomit filled his nostrils as he went down the companionway.
  • Several times, his eyes and ears seared by the cold, he dove down and through the companionway hatch to cut it free.
  • The forecastle companionway is immediately behind the foremast and leads below by means of a steep ladder.
  • companionway hatch covers should be checked regularly for faulty securing devices.
British Dictionary definitions for companionway

companionway

/kəmˈpænjənˌweɪ/
noun
1.
a stairway or ladder leading from one deck to another in a boat or ship