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 WebMarlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2024
The Wayfair store has two retail levels with elevator access or via the grand escalator in the center atrium.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for escalator 
Noun
Rails, escalators, gondolas and chairlifts revealed a mind-blowing feat of engineering and infrastructure that covered 324 miles across two countries.
—Marlise Kast-Myers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2024
The Wayfair store has two retail levels with elevator access or via the grand escalator in the center atrium.
—Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for escalator
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'escalator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 28 May. 2024.
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