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

Snag cordless stick models, robot vacuums, and handheld versions that are ideal for stairs and cars. —Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025

Jerome said small changes—such as parking further away from your destination or taking the stairs instead of the elevator—also add up and count toward your overall daily activity. —Cyra-Lea Drummond, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2025

Someone has spray-painted a rash of stars in circles up the stairs. —David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

Be aware that there are also some stairs along the tour route. —Megan Dubois, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

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