riser

noun

ris·​er ˈrī-zər How to pronounce riser (audio)
Synonyms of risernext
1
: one that rises (as from sleep)
an early riser
2
: the upright member between two stair treads
3
: a stage platform on which performers are placed for greater visibility
4
: a vertical pipe (as for water or gas) or a vertical portion of an electric wiring system
5
: one of the straps that connects a parachutist's harness with the shroud lines

Examples of riser in a Sentence

The school choir stood on the risers for the concert.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In October 2022, protesters sitting in the show's Manhattan studio risers famously interrupted a live interview with Ted Cruz to shout about climate change. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026 Early risers will find the red light of Mars glistening less than 10 degrees above the eastern horizon in the predawn hours on nights surrounding the new moon phase, while Saturn will shine higher to the east, among the stars of the constellation Pisces. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 14 June 2026 But the grass that normally grows between the White House and the start of the risers for the arena is now gone, with nothing but dusty dirt that will need to be resodded when this is all over — unless the president really does decide to leave the arena up permanently. ABC News, 11 June 2026 Sometimes, Ervin notes, people will opt for lighting to be built into step risers. Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for riser

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of riser was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riser. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

riser

noun
ris·​er ˈrī-zər How to pronounce riser (audio)
1
: one that rises (as from sleep)
an early riser
2
: the upright board between two stair treads

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