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 WebChicago Tribune, 1 June 2024
The Tea Party has been hibernating, to be sure, ever since Donald Trump descended the golden escalator and declared that the era of big government was back.
—Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 29 May 2024
Also, the $20 million cap (approximately) referenced in media reports will almost certainly rise because it’s hooked to annual revenue generated by the athletic departments — and that revenue is based, in part, on the media rights agreements that have escalator clauses.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 24 May 2024
But once students board the prestige escalator and become accustomed to a certain salary, walking away can feel funny.
—Francesca Mari, New York Times, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for escalator 
Noun
Going up in the escalator brought a wonderful scent of the bookstore, as good as coffee or chocolate.
—Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2024
The Tea Party has been hibernating, to be sure, ever since Donald Trump descended the golden escalator and declared that the era of big government was back.
—Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 29 May 2024
Also, the $20 million cap (approximately) referenced in media reports will almost certainly rise because it’s hooked to annual revenue generated by the athletic departments — and that revenue is based, in part, on the media rights agreements that have escalator clauses.
—Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 24 May 2024
But once students board the prestige escalator and become accustomed to a certain salary, walking away can feel funny.
—Francesca Mari, New York Times, 22 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 7 Jun. 2024.
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