escalator

1 of 2

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor ˈe-skə-ˌlā-tər 

nonstandard

-skyə- 

1

a

: a power-driven set of stairs arranged like an endless belt that ascend or descend continuously

b

: an upward course suggestive of an escalator

a never-stopping escalator of economic progress

—D. W. Brogan

2

: an escalator clause or provision

escalator

2 of 2

adjective

: providing for a periodic proportional upward or downward adjustment (as of prices or wages)

an escalator arrangement tying the base pay … to living costs

—New York Times

Examples of escalator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

One of the projects that has been deferred to after the 2026 season is improving escalators and elevators. —Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 8 Sep. 2025

There are 16 giant female heads on alternate levels of the escalator based on a portrait bust of Nefertiti, while the male heads depict his image. —Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025

The escalator was out and several exterior doors didn’t work. —Steve Dennis, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Some folks have heard that the stadium’s escalators are the first in Lawrence. —Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from Escalator, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for escalator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

escalator

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor

ˈes-kə-ˌlāt-ər

: a moving set of stairs arranged like a continuous belt