elevator
noun
el·e·va·tor
ˈe-lə-ˌvā-tər 
1
: one that raises or lifts something up: such as
a
: an endless belt or chain conveyor with cleats, scoops, or buckets for raising material
b
: a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for conveying people or things to different levels
c
2
: a movable airfoil usually attached to the tailplane of an airplane for controlling pitch see airplane illustration
Examples of elevator in a Sentence
We took the elevator to the 10th floor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Take the elevator up to Jean-Georges and step out onto the roof terrace by the bar.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Remember, the entire body also benefits from simple everyday movements—taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving, and even shopping in-person instead of ordering online—and the benefits of regular exercise for all aspects of health can’t be understated.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
When the crew goes to deal with a fire at a storage facility, Herrmann and Cruz get stuck in a broken service elevator with two civilians, one of whom was injured when the elevator initially started to fall.
—Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026
Shared amenities are rounded out by a sleek gym and a three-stop elevator.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elevator
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Remember, the entire body also benefits from simple everyday movements—taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking instead of driving, and even shopping in-person instead of ordering online—and the benefits of regular exercise for all aspects of health can’t be understated.
—Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2026
When the crew goes to deal with a fire at a storage facility, Herrmann and Cruz get stuck in a broken service elevator with two civilians, one of whom was injured when the elevator initially started to fall.
—Will Harris, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Jan. 2026
Shared amenities are rounded out by a sleek gym and a three-stop elevator.
—Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for elevator
Cite this Entry
“Elevator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elevator. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
elevator
noun
el·e·va·tor
ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər
1
a
: a continuous belt or chain conveyor for raising material
b
: a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for carrying things or people to different levels
c
: a building for elevating, storing, unloading, and sometimes grinding grain
called also grain elevator
2
: a movable device shaped like a wing that is usually attached to the tail of an airplane for producing motion up or down
Medical Definition
elevator
noun
el·e·va·tor
ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər
1
: a dental instrument for removing teeth or the roots of teeth which cannot be gripped with a forceps
2
: a surgical instrument for raising a depressed part (as a bone) or for separating contiguous parts
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