escalator

1 of 2

noun

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

2

: an escalator clause or provision

escalator

2 of 2

adjective

: 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

Examples of escalator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

That total includes an annual 3% escalator that would begin in 2030. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Elevator and escalator technician These workers install and maintain elevators, escalators and those moving walkways in airports. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 27 Feb. 2026

Long hallways and escalators posed challenges. —Andy Smith, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026

Magic Moments Entertainment, the 8D-motion cinema attraction, remains open near the food court, holding steady just underneath the escalator to the barren second floor. —Neil Strebig, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from Escalator, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for escalator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

escalator

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor

ˈes-kə-ˌlāt-ər

: a moving set of stairs arranged like a continuous belt