hatchway

[hach-wey] /ˈhætʃˌweɪ/
noun
1.
Nautical, hatch2 (def 1a).
2.
the opening of any trap door, as in a floor, ceiling, or roof.
Origin
1620-30; hatch2 + way
Examples from the web for hatchway
  • In the ceiling over the entrance is a hatchway or trap door opening.
  • His next chance was with the carpenter and sail-maker, and he lounged round the after hatchway until the last had gone down.
  • Then he will climb up a narrow stepladder through a hatchway in his third-floor bathroom and onto his rooftop.
  • The wood around the hinges on my cellar hatchway had rotted, so my father moved them a few inches farther apart.
  • Rooms were generally small, with a firepit in the floor and a hatchway to access the second story and roof.
  • They are usually circular and subterranean, in effect if not actually so, and were entered through a roof hatchway by ladder.
  • Children once scrambled up a ladder that rose through a hatchway in the corner of one room.
  • Also, notice the hatchway used to reach the roof above.
  • In addition, a large hatchway will be provided in the operating floor with access to the ground floor laydown area.
  • If you go to the end of the property towards the back yard, there is a hatchway on the side.
British Dictionary definitions for hatchway

hatchway

/ˈhætʃˌweɪ/
noun
1.
an opening in the deck of a vessel to provide access below
2.
a similar opening in a wall, floor, ceiling, or roof, usually fitted with a lid or door
Often shortened to hatch
Word Origin and History for hatchway
n.

1620s, originally nautical, from hatch (n.) + way.