escalator

1 of 2

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor ˈe-skə-ˌlā-tər 

nonstandard

-skyə- 

1

a

: a power-driven set of stairs arranged like an endless belt that ascend or descend continuously

b

: an upward course suggestive of an escalator

a never-stopping escalator of economic progress

—D. W. Brogan

2

: an escalator clause or provision

escalator

2 of 2

adjective

: providing for a periodic proportional upward or downward adjustment (as of prices or wages)

an escalator arrangement tying the base pay … to living costs

—New York Times

Examples of escalator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

And the animals have to stay away from fountains and off the escalators. —Cordell Jones, Miami Herald, 21 June 2025

The management posted a notice forbidding all persons wearing mules to use the escalator as the flapping soles might get caught in the steps. —Eileen Chang, Harpers Magazine, 18 June 2025

On June 16, 2015, Trump took his fateful trip down Trump Tower’s gilded escalator to announce his Presidential candidacy. —Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

However, Giants general manager Joe Schoen had Slayton take a pay cut to remain with the team and essentially wiped out his escalator. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from Escalator, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for escalator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

escalator

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor

ˈes-kə-ˌlāt-ər

: a moving set of stairs arranged like a continuous belt