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
Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Use the stairs: Choose stairs over elevators or escalators whenever possible.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Sure, the cost of a tunnel 60 feet underground with elevators, escalators and stairs leading to a subterranean platform with ventilation shafts, lighting and security is exorbitant.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Work continues on adding elevators and escalators plus renovating police and TSA offices in the lobby, and construction is wrapping up on a larger air traffic control tower to provide more visibility for air traffic controllers.
—Alex Golden, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalator
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Noun
The Mets have agreed to pay him even more than the Yankees offered—seven hundred and sixty-five million, plus various signing bonuses, perks, incentives, and possible escalators.
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 5 May 2025
Use the stairs: Choose stairs over elevators or escalators whenever possible.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 23 Apr. 2025
Sure, the cost of a tunnel 60 feet underground with elevators, escalators and stairs leading to a subterranean platform with ventilation shafts, lighting and security is exorbitant.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2025
Work continues on adding elevators and escalators plus renovating police and TSA offices in the lobby, and construction is wrapping up on a larger air traffic control tower to provide more visibility for air traffic controllers.
—Alex Golden, Axios, 3 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalator
Cite this Entry
“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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