downstairs

1 of 3

adverb

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsterz 

: down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs

2 of 3

adjective

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˌsterz 

: situated on the main, lower, or ground floor of a building

downstairs

3 of 3

noun

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsterz 

ˈdau̇n-ˌsterz

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: the lower floor of a building

Examples of downstairs in a Sentence

Adverb

He ran downstairs to answer the door.

He lives downstairs from us.

“Where are the kids?” “They're downstairs.”

Adjective

There are five downstairs rooms.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adverb

The witness went downstairs and found 30-year-old Christina Cruz lying in the living room, police said. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

There are whispers of a speakeasy opening downstairs in the coming months, which gives the restaurant extra potential to become a go-to dinner spot that seamlessly transitions into a night out. — Ali Domrongchai, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Nov. 2026

Adjective

And downstairs guests will find bottle service, live music, and multiple TVs lining the walls. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026

In an interview with NBC in 2018, Falkman talked about his views on romance and Valentine’s Day, alongside one of his best friends and downstairs neighbor. — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026

Noun

When people hear of their upstairs-downstairs arrangement, no one is shocked. — Anne Kadet, Curbed, 14 Oct. 2026

There's also hot water and a microwave in the lobby, mini fridges in each room, and cocktails at The Crocodile downstairs. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adverb

1598, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1702, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1841, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing downstairs

• the downstairs

Rhymes for downstairs

• affaires
• affairs
• armchairs
• compares
• crosshairs
• declares
• despairs
• forbears
• forebears
• housewares
• impairs
• nightmares

Kids Definition

downstairs

1 of 3 adverb

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz 

-ˈste(ə)rz

: down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs

2 of 3 adjective

down·​stairs -ˌsta(ə)rz 

-ˌste(ə)rz

: situated on a lower level or on the main or first floor

downstairs

3 of 3 singular or plural noun

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz 

-ˈste(ə)rz, 

-ˌsta(ə)rz, 

-ˌste(ə)rz

: the lower floor of a building