Pronunciation: [ɡˈaŋplaŋk] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word gangplank is /ɡæŋplæŋk/. The word refers to a flat board or plank used to easily access a ship from the dock. The pronunciation of the word is simply "gang" with a silent "g" followed by "plank". The "g" in gang is not pronounced, as it is affected by the nasal sound of the following "n". Meanwhile, the "k" in plank is pronounced due to the voiceless stop sound at the end of the word.
A gangplank refers to a relatively narrow, flat plank or bridge-like structure that serves as a passageway between a ship or boat and a dock or another vessel. It is typically used for embarkation and disembarkation, allowing individuals to move between the floating vessel and the stable land or another craft.
The gangplank is usually made of sturdy materials like wood or metal, ensuring stability and durability. It is commonly secured at one end to the deck, or to a specific area on the boat, while the other end remains mobile, adapting to the fluctuations of the water level or the changing distance between the vessel and the land or another ship. This flexibility enables the gangplank to maintain a secure connection between the two points, allowing safe passage for individuals.
Gangplanks are equipped with various safety features to prevent accidents, such as handrails or side barriers. They may also have anti-slip surfaces or grip strips to enhance traction and reduce the risk of falls or injuries. In addition to their primary function as a passage, gangplanks can also be used to load and unload cargo or other heavy items.
The term "gangplank" is derived from the words "gang," meaning a group or set of people, and "plank," referring to a long, flat piece of timber or board. This word combination aptly describes the gangplank's purpose of facilitating the passage of groups of individuals between different vessels or between a vessel and land.
The word "gangplank" originated in the mid-19th century and combines two separate words: "gang" and "plank".
The term "gang" traces back to the Old English word "gang", meaning "a going, a journey, or a way". It later evolved to denote a group of people acting together, and eventually, it came to refer to a group of criminals or an organized band.
The word "plank" derives from the Old English word "planc", which meant a flat, solid piece of timber. "Plank" has been used to describe various wooden structures throughout history, such as flooring, boards, or support beams.
When combined, "gang" and "plank" form the word "gangplank", referring to a movable wooden plank or a narrow bridge used to embark or disembark from a ship.
