escalator

noun es·ca·la·tor \ ˈe-skə-ˌlā-tər , nonstandard -skyə- \

Updated on: 17 Apr 2018

Definition of escalator

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

See escalator defined for English-language learners

See escalator defined for kids

Recent Examples of escalator from the Web

It's also revealed that Dan is a former comedian who, upon his daughter's request, reprises his physical shtick pretending to descend in an escalator and elevator.

— frank scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, "'This Flat Earth': Theater Review," 10 Apr. 2018
Metro said the idea was proposed by staff within Metro’s escalator and elevator department.

— martine powers, Washington Post, "Check out Metro’s Crayola-colored escalator guides and other improvements," 10 Apr. 2018
Moments later, authorities said, Reynolds dropped her carry-on luggage, kicked off her heels, fled down an upward-moving escalator and out of the terminal.

— Fox News, "JetBlue flight attendant who ditched 60 pounds of cocaine at airport sentenced to time served," 9 Apr. 2018
Upon their arrival, firefighters pried the escalator's casing apart in order to dislodge the victim.

— drew broach, NOLA.com, "1 killed in Michoud area when motorcycle hits pedestrian, New Orleans police say," 31 Mar. 2018
For example, instead of taking the elevator or escalator, consider taking the steps.

— kimberly garrison, Philly.com, "Just do it, one step and one bite at a time | Opinion," 9 Jan. 2018
The work also includes cleaning escalator and stairway handrails; wiping down stainless steel surfaces like turnstiles, the customer assistant booth, and vending machines; cleaning station entrance doors and windows; and emptying garbage.

— john greenfield, Chicago Reader, "How often does the CTA really clean those subway stops? Hint: not very," 20 Mar. 2018
Person of interest is an overweight man of approximately 70 years of age with orange hair who was reported to be repeatedly riding up and down the escalators in a gaudy midtown Manhattan skyscraper.

— steve mirsky, Scientific American, "The President’s Views of Science Are Not Based in Reality," 1 Aug. 2017
Toward the end of 2017, Clark’s staff negotiated a deal to lend Libertyville’s 100-foot ladder truck for response to potential commercial and high-rise fires in Mundelein in exchange for $14,000 per year plus three percent annual escalators.

— rick kambic, chicagotribune.com, "Libertyville approves village administrator separation agreement worth more than $85,000," 16 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'escalator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of escalator

from Escalator, a trademark

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1900

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

escalator

adjective

Definition of escalator

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

an escalator arrangement tying the base pay … to living costs
—N. Y. Times

First Known Use of escalator

1930

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

ESCALATOR Defined for English Language Learners

escalator

noun

Definition of escalator for English Language Learners

: a moving set of stairs that carries people up or down from one level of a building to another

ESCALATOR Defined for Kids

escalator

noun es·ca·la·tor \ ˈe-skə-ˌlā-tər \

Definition of escalator for Students

: a moving stairway for going from one level (as of a building) to another

Learn More about escalator

See words that rhyme with escalator Spanish Central: Translation of escalator Nglish: Translation of escalator for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of escalator for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about escalator

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escalator

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escalator

Definition of escalator for English Language Learners

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escalator

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escalator

Definition of escalator

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escalator

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Definition of escalator for English Language Learners

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Definition of escalator for Students

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