stair

noun

ˈster 

1

: a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another

—often used in plural but singular or plural in construction

a narrow private stairs

—Lewis Mumford

2

: a single step of a stairway

Examples of stair in a Sentence

She ran down the stairs.

He waited at the foot of the stairs.

She slipped and fell down the stairs.

The stairs lead to the roof.

We had to climb another flight of stairs to get to the roof.

He tripped on the bottom stair and almost fell.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Environmental Protection Agency warns parents of young children living in older homes to be aware of high-use areas such as window sills, doors, door frames, stairs, railings, banisters and porches. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 5 Dec. 2024

To get to the walk, go down the stairs west of the intersection of Main and Pine streets or use the fully accessible entrance at Fisherman's Park on Farm Street. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Dec. 2024

Then convert it into a handheld vacuum to clean upholstery, stairs, and other tight spaces. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Natasha eventually discovers Carrie in her apartment with Big, chases her out, and falls down the stairs, breaking her teeth. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English steir, from Old English stǣger; akin to Old English & Old High German stīgan to rise, Greek steichein to walk

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stair

• stair climber
• stair climbing
• stair stepper

Kids Definition

stair

noun

ˈsta(ə)r 

ˈste(ə)r

1

: a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another

—often used in plural

ran down the stairs

2

: one step of a stairway