hatchway

[ hach-wey ]

/ ˈhætʃˌweɪ /

Nautical. hatch²(def 1a).

the opening of any trap door, as in a floor, ceiling, or roof.

Origin of hatchway

First recorded in 1620–30; hatch² + way¹

He opened the hatchway while La Croix was profusely thanking him, put a sling around the box and lowered it.

The Bradys and the Girl Smuggler |Francis W. Doughty
And oh, what a dreary outlook it was when, swathed in oilskins, I passed through the hatchway and stepped out on deck!

A Pirate of the Caribbees |Harry Collingwood
No one had forced his way in through the hatchway, of this he soon convinced himself.

Sleep Walking and Moon Walking |Isidor Isaak Sadger
I went to the hatchway, and although the smell was still overpowering, I found that I could bear it.

Jacob Faithful |Captain Frederick Marryat

Some were binding up their wounds, and one lay half hanging over the hatchway shot through the body.

Will Weatherhelm |W.H.G. Kingston

hatchway

/ (ˈhætʃˌweɪ) /

an opening in the deck of a vessel to provide access below

a similar opening in a wall, floor, ceiling, or roof, usually fitted with a lid or door

Often shortened to: hatch