stairstep

1 of 3

noun

1
: a step in a flight of stairs
2
stairsteps plural : a flight of stairs

stairstep

2 of 3

intransitive verb

"
: to move up or down like the steps in a stairway
narrow streets stairstep up the slopesGeography School Bulletin

stair-step

3 of 3

adjective

: resembling the steps in a stairway
stair-step levels of terrain
especially : moving up or down like steps in a stairway
stair-step inflation

Word History

Etymology

Noun

stair + step

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near stairstep

stair rod

stairstep

stair-step

Cite this Entry

“Stairstep.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stairstep. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!