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
D. W. Brogan2
: an escalator clause or provision
: 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
New York TimesExamples of escalator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Ever since Donald Trump came down that golden escalator, the Republican Party has been remaking itself, putting larger-than-life personalities who can dominate the new media landscape at the tip of the spear.
—Kurt Bardella, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Even more importantly from the team perspective, the contract includes team options for 2029-30 - his first two free agent seasons - for just $14 and $15 million plus performance escalators, respectively.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Barkley still has opportunity to gain $15 million in additional cash through incentives and escalators.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalator
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Noun
Signs were also draped over balconies near the iconic golden escalator where President Donald Trump descended in 2015 to launch his presidential campaign.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025
Ever since Donald Trump came down that golden escalator, the Republican Party has been remaking itself, putting larger-than-life personalities who can dominate the new media landscape at the tip of the spear.
—Kurt Bardella, Boston Herald, 14 Mar. 2025
Even more importantly from the team perspective, the contract includes team options for 2029-30 - his first two free agent seasons - for just $14 and $15 million plus performance escalators, respectively.
—Tony Blengino, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Barkley still has opportunity to gain $15 million in additional cash through incentives and escalators.
—Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalator
Articles Related to escalator
Cite this Entry
“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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