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 Times
Examples of escalator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the WebDory Jackson, Peoplemag, 5 Nov. 2023
On her first day on the job, it was announced that the lender for the largest mall in the district, operated by the Westfield corporation, would retake possession of the property—a five-story retail center with spiral escalators, opposite the city’s most famous cable-car landing.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2023
Fare evaders hopped the gates and loitered at the top of the Metro station escalators.
—Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2023
Last week a big array of scaffolding — akin to a sidewalk shed, but indoors — and a crane went up in Moynihan Train Hall over the escalators leading down to Tracks 13 and 14.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Nov. 2023
Advertisement The unarmed ambassadors ride the transit system and help riders on train platforms or Metro hubs, pointing them in the right direction during major disruptions or helping elderly people navigate when an escalator is broken.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2023
Fire suppression systems, parking lots, elevators and escalators need work, too.
—Steve Megargee and Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023
Freeman climbs an escalator, officers following quickly behind him.
—Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023
Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny's Relationship Timeline Bad Bunny, wearing a backwards Gucci monogram cap, could also be seen heading down an airport escalator, carrying a classic monogram bag with neon blue detailing.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 30 Sep. 2023
See More
Noun
On her way to the main stage for a panel on Saturday, The Real Housewives of New York City star made her way down an escalator to greet an excited crowd.
—Dory Jackson, Peoplemag, 5 Nov. 2023
On her first day on the job, it was announced that the lender for the largest mall in the district, operated by the Westfield corporation, would retake possession of the property—a five-story retail center with spiral escalators, opposite the city’s most famous cable-car landing.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2023
Fare evaders hopped the gates and loitered at the top of the Metro station escalators.
—Michael Brice-Saddler, Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2023
Last week a big array of scaffolding — akin to a sidewalk shed, but indoors — and a crane went up in Moynihan Train Hall over the escalators leading down to Tracks 13 and 14.
—Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 3 Nov. 2023
Advertisement The unarmed ambassadors ride the transit system and help riders on train platforms or Metro hubs, pointing them in the right direction during major disruptions or helping elderly people navigate when an escalator is broken.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2023
Fire suppression systems, parking lots, elevators and escalators need work, too.
—Steve Megargee and Todd Richmond, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2023
Freeman climbs an escalator, officers following quickly behind him.
—Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 21 Sep. 2023
Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny's Relationship Timeline Bad Bunny, wearing a backwards Gucci monogram cap, could also be seen heading down an airport escalator, carrying a classic monogram bag with neon blue detailing.
—Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 30 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'escalator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Articles Related to escalator
Dictionary Entries Near escalator
Cite this Entry
“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
escalator
noun
es·ca·la·tor
ˈes-kə-ˌlāt-ər
: a moving set of stairs arranged like a continuous belt
More from Merriam-Webster on escalator
Nglish: Translation of escalator for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of escalator for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about escalator
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share