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
Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Also, at the new stations the pathway between the train tracks and the escalator casings is significantly narrower than at the older stations.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
After McCluskey was transported to the hospital, Eng said the affected escalator was inspected by MBTA workers, and it was returned to working order without any mechanical issues.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
After the hearing, Peters and Morales were whisked away by their attorneys and went down the escalators without responding to reporters’ questions.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for escalator
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Noun
With social media in mind, Macerich also is redesigning some center common areas, painting staircases and the nooks under escalators in bright, eye-catching designs to encourage spontaneous photoshoots.
—Footwear News, 18 May 2026
Also, at the new stations the pathway between the train tracks and the escalator casings is significantly narrower than at the older stations.
—Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
After McCluskey was transported to the hospital, Eng said the affected escalator was inspected by MBTA workers, and it was returned to working order without any mechanical issues.
—Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026
After the hearing, Peters and Morales were whisked away by their attorneys and went down the escalators without responding to reporters’ questions.
—Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 15 May 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 25 May. 2026.
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