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
D. W. Brogan2
: an escalator clause or provision
: 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
New York TimesExamples of escalator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Joan Murray, CBS News, 13 June 2026
In his mind, American history begins and ends with his emergence on the political scene and that infamous ride down a golden escalator.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Maintaining these facilities requires a steady pipeline of skilled workers, including elevator and escalator installers and repairers, as well as heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Two escalators at the Pavilions, broken when the mall changed hands, are also being repaired.
—Thomas Gounley, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for escalator
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Noun
The current effort is a different picture from two and a half years ago, when CBS Miami documented persistent problems with broken escalators and moving sidewalks.
—Joan Murray, CBS News, 13 June 2026
In his mind, American history begins and ends with his emergence on the political scene and that infamous ride down a golden escalator.
—Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 11 June 2026
Maintaining these facilities requires a steady pipeline of skilled workers, including elevator and escalator installers and repairers, as well as heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
—Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Two escalators at the Pavilions, broken when the mall changed hands, are also being repaired.
—Thomas Gounley, Denver Post, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for escalator
Cite this Entry
“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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