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

The funicular ensures any and everyone can reach Niri Beach Club, although the stairs thereafter make the beach less accessible. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026

For those who can’t jump — or jog, climb stairs, play pickleball or engage in other exercises that involve impact — the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests heel drops, which involve rising to your toes, then slowly lowering your heels to the ground. —Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 3 Mar. 2026

The production was unconventional and riddled with obstacles, but much like Doyle breathlessly sprinting up a flight of stairs, the filmmakers pushed forward. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026

Cole dislikes when stairs are carpeted or when the runner extends to the baluster and the wall. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 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