elevator
noun
el·e·va·tor
ˈe-lə-ˌvā-tər 
1
: one that raises or lifts something up: such as
a
: an endless belt or chain conveyor with cleats, scoops, or buckets for raising material
b
: a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for conveying people or things to different levels
c
2
: a movable airfoil usually attached to the tailplane of an airplane for controlling pitch see airplane illustration
Examples of elevator in a Sentence
We took the elevator to the 10th floor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Accessibility The Royalton Park Avenue is ADA compliant, with an accessible public entrance, emergency exit, elevators, registration and concierge desk, public restroom and dining areas, and pool (with a chair lift).
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
An onboard elevator connects decks, Zodiac drivers assist with boarding, and alternative hiking and coastal tours are available for guests seeking a more relaxed pace.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
The playoffs, so far, have been a quick trip down an elevator shaft, and fans are left reeling by the sudden collapse of the team.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
There’s also an elevator, and ocean and city views.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elevator
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
An onboard elevator connects decks, Zodiac drivers assist with boarding, and alternative hiking and coastal tours are available for guests seeking a more relaxed pace.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 26 Apr. 2026
The playoffs, so far, have been a quick trip down an elevator shaft, and fans are left reeling by the sudden collapse of the team.
—Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
There’s also an elevator, and ocean and city views.
—The Week Us, TheWeek, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elevator
Cite this Entry
“Elevator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elevator. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elevator
noun
el·e·va·tor
ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər
1
a
: a continuous belt or chain conveyor for raising material
b
: a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for carrying things or people to different levels
c
: a building for elevating, storing, unloading, and sometimes grinding grain
called also grain elevator
2
: a movable device shaped like a wing that is usually attached to the tail of an airplane for producing motion up or down
Medical Definition
elevator
noun
el·e·va·tor
ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər
1
: a dental instrument for removing teeth or the roots of teeth which cannot be gripped with a forceps
2
: a surgical instrument for raising a depressed part (as a bone) or for separating contiguous parts
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