passerelle

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableraretechnical

   A narrow bridge or raised walkway for people to cross over something.

   Grammar: Countable: one passerelle, two passerelles. Often used in architecture or stage design.

   Patterns

   • a passerelle over something
   • build a passerelle

   The architect added a glass passerelle linking the two office towers.

   Visitors cross the river on a narrow passerelle behind the museum.

   The stage had a passerelle extending into the audience.

2. 2nouncountableraretechnical

   A movable plank or light bridge used to get on or off a ship.

   Grammar: Countable. In everyday English, 'gangway' is far more common for this meaning.

   Patterns

   • lower the passerelle
   • walk down the passerelle

   The crew lowered the passerelle so passengers could disembark.

   She waited at the top of the passerelle with her luggage.

Word forms

Common combinations

glass passerelle

The glass passerelle gives a clear view of the street below.

pedestrian passerelle

A pedestrian passerelle now connects the station to the shopping center.

lower the passerelle

The sailors lowered the passerelle as soon as the ship docked.

cross the passerelle

We crossed the passerelle to reach the old part of the city.

Synonyms and how they differ

footbridge

Use 'footbridge' for any ordinary bridge for walkers; 'passerelle' sounds technical or foreign.

gangway

'Gangway' is the normal word for the movable plank on a ship; 'passerelle' is rare outside specialized texts.

walkway

'Walkway' is a general path for walking, not necessarily raised or crossing anything.

Commonly confused: passerelle or passerby?

Practice

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