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

The deal includes an annual escalator in supplemental pay of $100,000, according to the U memo shared with the Pioneer Press via a data request. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 25 Mar. 2025

Some others complained that the Briar Bay store lacks escalators. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2025

The new sequence of spaces leads visitors to the Grand Hall above via stairs, escalators and elevators, providing a variety of options for guests. —Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025

The airport began work in August on a pedestrian walkway that will connect Terminal B to Concourse B with moving sidewalks and escalators. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacramento Bee, 28 Jan. 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