staircase

noun

stair·​case ˈster-ˌkās How to pronounce staircase (audio)
1
: the structure containing a stairway
2
: a flight of stairs with the supporting framework, casing, and balusters

Examples of staircase in a Sentence

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.
Architects and other critics of the project had panned the staircase as too large and basically useless since there was no way to enter the ballroom at the top. Darlene Superville, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026 Beams left exposed across ceilings and the treads of a floating staircase are yellow pine pulled from a warehouse in Brooklyn that had been torn down. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 2 Apr. 2026 The secondary bedroom, meanwhile, is accessed by a neat folding staircase, like the one seen on the Jordy, that's stowed against the wall when not in use, freeing up space in the living room. Adam Williams april 02, New Atlas, 2 Apr. 2026 An analysis of the previous plans by the New York Times pointed out some idiosyncrasies in the design, among them, that its grand staircase didn't lead to the ballroom and there was no door on the side facing the staircase. Arden Farhi, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staircase

Word History

First Known Use

1624, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of staircase was in 1624

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Staircase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/staircase. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

staircase

noun
stair·​case -ˌkās How to pronounce staircase (audio)
: a flight of stairs with the supporting structures

More from Merriam-Webster on staircase

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster