Companionway
/kəmˈpænjənweɪ/
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Maritime Use
Specific to boats and ships, not used for stairs in buildings. 
She waited at the top of the companionway for the crew.
Pro Tip 2/3Vertical Position
Indicates a vertical or diagonal entry point between decks, unlike a corridor. 
The sailor shouted up the companionway to his fellow deckhands.
Pro Tip 3/3Descriptive Imagery
Use to evoke imagery of nautical scenes or describe ship layouts vividly. 
The glow from the lantern shone down the companionway.