escalator

1 of 2

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor ˈe-skə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce escalator (audio)
nonstandard
-skyə- How to pronounce escalator (audio)
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 progressD. 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 costsNew York Times

Examples of escalator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The theater is inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel, on the third floor (enter through the lobby, then take the escalators up). Sarah Bahr, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 One of the favorites here is Hainanese chicken rice from the hawker stand at the top of the escalator (look out for the long line and the stand numbered 02-82). Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 As the two Democrats descended on the escalator to the luggage are, travelers waiting for their luggage or family members, burst into applause for Larson. Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 5 Apr. 2025 On both Thursday and Friday night at Dodger Stadium, a common refrain echoed from the home plate escalators as the crowd was filing out. Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for escalator

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of escalator was in 1900

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

escalator

noun
es·​ca·​la·​tor
ˈes-kə-ˌlāt-ər
: a moving set of stairs arranged like a continuous belt

More from Merriam-Webster on escalator

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