downstairs

1 of 3

adverb

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsterz 

: down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs

2 of 3

adjective

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˌsterz 

: situated on the main, lower, or ground floor of a building

downstairs

3 of 3

noun

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsterz 

ˈdau̇n-ˌsterz

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: the lower floor of a building

Examples of downstairs in a Sentence

Adverb

He ran downstairs to answer the door.

He lives downstairs from us.

“Where are the kids?” “They're downstairs.”

Adjective

There are five downstairs rooms.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

Food and drinks from the first floor fast casual eateries can be ordered at the individual counters downstairs or from a server in the rooftop bar who will bring your order to your upstairs table. —Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 8 Jan. 2025

Already on edge from the emotional open house, Mikey’s blackmail threats, and that whole thing when Paul’s finger got sent through a buzz saw, Paul heads downstairs to take care of who or what is outside. —Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 12 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Hayden played Eddie, a key member of Gruber's crack team of terrorists in the original movie who was responsible for manning the downstairs reception of Nakatomi Plaza. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

The hot spots for paranormal activity are in the upstairs dining area where the market will be held, in and around the attic, and the downstairs ladies room. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2024

Noun

This room is quite small for a downstairs bedroom, though will fit a double bed. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2024

Photo: Liz Glasgow/Town & Country Real Estate The foyer opens into a living area and a downstairs study. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 5 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1598, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing downstairs

• the downstairs

Kids Definition

downstairs

1 of 3 adverb

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz 

-ˈste(ə)rz

: down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs

2 of 3 adjective

down·​stairs -ˌsta(ə)rz 

-ˌste(ə)rz

: situated on a lower level or on the main or first floor

downstairs

3 of 3 singular or plural noun

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz 

-ˈste(ə)rz,

-ˌsta(ə)rz,

-ˌste(ə)rz

: the lower floor of a building