elevator

noun

el·​e·​va·​tor ˈe-lə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce elevator (audio)
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
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
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.
Accessibility The hotel entrance is connected to accessible guest rooms via an accessible route with elevators. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026 An elevator ascends from the entrance vestibule to the main level, where an open living room flows into a dining area with a separate seating nook and fireplace. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 May 2026 One elevator out of service and another leaking fluid. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026 Designed by Studio Arthur Casas, the 16,000-square-foot residence connects its floors through either a sculptural spiral staircase or private elevator, depending on one’s enthusiasm for cardio. Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevator

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elevator was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elevator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elevator. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

elevator

noun
el·​e·​va·​tor ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce elevator (audio)
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 How to pronounce elevator (audio)
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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