stair

noun

ˈster 

1

: a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another

—often used in plural but singular or plural in construction

… a narrow private stairs …

—Lewis Mumford

2

: a single step of a stairway

Examples of stair in a Sentence

She ran down the stairs.

He waited at the foot of the stairs.

She slipped and fell down the stairs.

The stairs lead to the roof.

We had to climb another flight of stairs to get to the roof.

He tripped on the bottom stair and almost fell.

Recent Examples on the Web

For those who may not feel ready to step onto a tennis court or into a gym, Fredericson said small daily activities like cleaning the house, walking up stairs or doing yard work can still provide meaningful health benefits. —Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Parking is free and there is an elevator in back for those wanting to avoid the stairs. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2026

Fortunately, the security was efficient in telling fans to remain in their seats to prevent a dangerous rush down the stairs just to catch a closer glimpse of the group. —Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

Santa conducted a giddy postgame interview on the team’s television broadcast before descending the stairs into the clubhouse. —Chandler Rome, New York Times, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English steir, from Old English stǣger; akin to Old English & Old High German stīgan to rise, Greek steichein to walk

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stair

• stair climber
• stair climbing
• stair stepper

Rhymes for stair

• air
• ayre
• bahr
• bare
• blare
• care
• chair
• claire
• ere
• err
• eyre
• fair

Kids Definition

stair

noun

ˈsta(ə)r 

ˈste(ə)r

1

: a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another

—often used in plural

ran down the stairs

2

: one step of a stairway