downstairs

1 of 3

adverb

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsterz 

: down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs

2 of 3

adjective

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˌsterz 

: situated on the main, lower, or ground floor of a building

downstairs

3 of 3

noun

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsterz 

ˈdau̇n-ˌsterz

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: the lower floor of a building

Examples of downstairs in a Sentence

Adverb

He ran downstairs to answer the door.

He lives downstairs from us.

“Where are the kids?” “They're downstairs.”

Adjective

There are five downstairs rooms.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

At the check-in desk (which is covered in palm-frond prints), you’ll be greeted with a free cold PBR, a tribute to the can-crushing dexterity of the notorious Blondie, who works the legendary lounge downstairs. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026

Joshi said they’re focused on the Italian restaurant first, which seats 100 people downstairs and another 80 on the wraparound patio. —Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 8 Jan. 2026

Adjective

In addition to the restaurant, the building is also home to top-floor hangout Moon Roof Bar and cozy downstairs bar and music venue Dark Side of the Moon. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

The Mizuho showcases a Japanese approach to the concept, squeezing in a home working area and a downstairs bedroom into a compact footprint. —New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2026

Noun

An upstairs-downstairs work of historical fiction with a premise farcical enough to fuel an Oscar Wilde play seems like a solid first step toward the genre. —Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026

The two-story building features a full-service bar downstairs, plus a rooftop bar with seating overlooking The Plaza. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 15 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1598, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing downstairs

• the downstairs

Rhymes for downstairs

• affaires
• affairs
• armchairs
• bulgars
• compares
• crosshairs
• declares
• despairs
• forbears
• forebears
• housewares
• impairs

Kids Definition

downstairs

1 of 3 adverb

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz 

-ˈste(ə)rz

: down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs

2 of 3 adjective

down·​stairs -ˌsta(ə)rz 

-ˌste(ə)rz

: situated on a lower level or on the main or first floor

downstairs

3 of 3 singular or plural noun

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz 

-ˈste(ə)rz, 

-ˌsta(ə)rz, 

-ˌste(ə)rz

: the lower floor of a building