hallway

UK: ˈhɔːlweɪ | US: ˈhɔːlweɪ

Definition
  1. n. a corridor or passage in a building, typically connecting rooms or leading to exits.

Structure
hall <large room or passage>way <path or route>
Etymology

The word "hallway" combines "hall," derived from Old English heall (a large room or covered space, often in a communal building), and "way," from Old English weg (a path or route). Historically, "hall" referred to a central gathering space in buildings (e.g., manor halls), while "way" denoted a passage. Over time, "hallway" emerged to describe connecting passages in structures, retaining the idea of a path (way) within a building's interior space (hall).

Examples
  1. She hung family photos along the narrow hallway.

  2. The hotel’s hallway was brightly lit and carpeted.

  3. Children raced down the school hallway between classes.

  4. A fire extinguisher is mounted near the hallway exit.

  5. The apartment’s hallway leads to three bedrooms.