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 Web
Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
The escalators that now block shoppers’ views at the entrance will be placed on the sides of the mall, opening up clear sight lines across the entire property, Stone said.
—Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
According to other attendees, including Times journalists, event staffers were checking tickets, though not very thoroughly, at multiple points prior to escalators that descended to the metal detectors where Allen allegedly bolted past armed security.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
As guests made their exit up the escalators and to the main floor, many passed by Wolf Blitzer, an eyewitness to the shooting.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for escalator
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Previous modernization efforts The airport has previously suffered from a host of issues that have proved nuisances for travelers, including green liquid falling from the ceiling and broken escalators.
—Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
The escalators that now block shoppers’ views at the entrance will be placed on the sides of the mall, opening up clear sight lines across the entire property, Stone said.
—Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
According to other attendees, including Times journalists, event staffers were checking tickets, though not very thoroughly, at multiple points prior to escalators that descended to the metal detectors where Allen allegedly bolted past armed security.
—Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026
As guests made their exit up the escalators and to the main floor, many passed by Wolf Blitzer, an eyewitness to the shooting.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for escalator
Cite this Entry
“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
