downstairs

1 of 3

adverb

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsterz How to pronounce downstairs (audio)
: down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs

2 of 3

adjective

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˌsterz How to pronounce downstairs (audio)
: situated on the main, lower, or ground floor of a building

downstairs

3 of 3

noun

down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsterz How to pronounce downstairs (audio)
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
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.
Adverb
But downstairs in the kitchen, Lavigne brings that legacy to life in real time. Sughnen Yongo, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 Two more ensuite bedrooms are found up here, with two more bedrooms downstairs on the ground floor. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
Adjective
Carrie’s heel addiction is driving her downstairs neighbor insane. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 June 2025 The family had a late pizza dinner before heading to bed, with Molly’s parents going to sleep in the downstairs guest bedroom, ABC News reported. Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 10 May 2025
Noun
Each morning, guests can enjoy breakfast in the downstairs courtyard or within a cozy breakfast nook with dishes that include recipes prepared by the chef Diego Isunza Kahlo, the great-grand-nephew of Frida Kahlo. Michaela Trimble, Vogue, 13 July 2025 The West Main occupies the three-story Savings & Trust Bank built in 1906, with six studios and suites, full kitchens, and a downstairs restaurant with bourbon and whiskey cocktails. Caroline Eubanks, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for downstairs

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of downstairs was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Downstairs.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downstairs. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

downstairs

1 of 3 adverb
down·​stairs ˈdau̇n-ˈsta(ə)rz How to pronounce downstairs (audio)
-ˈste(ə)rz
: down the stairs : on or to a lower floor

downstairs

2 of 3 adjective
down·​stairs -ˌsta(ə)rz How to pronounce downstairs (audio)
-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 How to pronounce downstairs (audio)
-ˈste(ə)rz,
-ˌsta(ə)rz,
-ˌste(ə)rz
: the lower floor of a building

More from Merriam-Webster on downstairs

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