Definition

A board or ramp that connects a ship to a pier, allowing people to walk on and off the ship.

Example

The crew set up the gangplank so passengers could board the ship easily.

Conversation

Have you ever walked on a gangplank before?

Yeah, it’s a little nerve-wracking at first!

I bet! I heard it sways a bit when you step on it.

It does, but once you're on the ship, it feels pretty exciting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Gangplank → The word is formed from "gang" (from Middle English *gang*, meaning a passage or way) and "plank" (from Old English *planca*, meaning a flat piece of wood). Together, these parts describe a flat piece of wood that serves as a passageway, typically used to board or disembark from a ship.

Memory Tip

Imagine a flat piece of wood ('plank') that creates a 'way' ('gang') to get on or off a ship. This helps you remember that a gangplank is a passageway made of wood.

Visually Confused Words