Companionway (noun)

1. A stairway or ladder leading from the deck of a ship or boat to the cabin or hold.
2. A stairway or ladder, in a house or building, leading to an upper floor.

Origin:

From companion + way.

Examples:

1. The captain descended the companionway to check on the cargo in the hold.
2. He climbed the companionway to the upper deck of the ship.
3. The companionway was steep and narrow, making it difficult to navigate with a heavy load.
4. The companionway is the main entrance and exit to the cabins below deck.
5. The companionway to the attic was narrow and steep, with a ladder instead of stairs.