1. a deep vertical or sloping passage in a mine that provides access to the ore or coal below the surface

Examples

• The miners descended into the mineshaft at dawn to begin their shift.
• A rope and pulley system lowered workers down the mineshaft.
• The old mineshaft was sealed off after the coal reserves were depleted.
• Safety equipment is essential when working in a mineshaft.
• The mineshaft extended hundreds of feet below ground level.
• Rescue teams were called to the mineshaft after the accident.