gangplank

noun

gang·​plank ˈgaŋ-ˌplaŋk How to pronounce gangplank (audio)
: a movable bridge used in boarding or leaving a ship at a pier

Examples of gangplank in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There's any number of opportunities for mishaps, and with that comes this wonderful parade of guest stars every episode, like lambs to the slaughter, meekly, joyously walking up the gangplank, not remotely aware of what will befall them. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 5 Sep. 2024 When Franklin walks up the gangplank to sail to Europe, the stairs come out now. D. T. Max, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023 Flash runs up the gangplank, onstage, and off the other side. Jill Lepore, The New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2023 In June, as part of a longer Manchin profile, The New Yorker relayed an anecdote from February about Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) nearly plunging into frigid water after slipping on an icy gangplank following a dinner aboard Almost Heaven with Manchin and Susan Collins (R-Me.). Washington Post, 6 Aug. 2021 See all Example Sentences for gangplank 

Word History

Etymology

gang- (as in gangway) + plank entry 1

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gangplank was in 1785

Dictionary Entries Near gangplank

Cite this Entry

“Gangplank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gangplank. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

gangplank

noun
gang·​plank ˈgaŋ-ˌplaŋk How to pronounce gangplank (audio)
: a movable bridge from a ship to the shore

More from Merriam-Webster on gangplank

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!