fire escape

noun

: a device for escape from a burning building
especially : a metal stairway attached to the outside of a building

Examples of fire escape in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Residents were forced to evacuate down an exterior fire escape, according to ABC7 Eyewitness News. Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 1 June 2025 Despite all this, Evan manages to flee out the fire escape. Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025 By the bloody end, your phobias now include fire escapes, elevators, airbags, construction sites, even backyard barbecues. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 19 May 2025 Final Destination 2: The fire escape Another example of the franchise's excellent ability to fake out viewers happens during the death of Evan (David Paetkau). Keith Langston, People.com, 18 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fire escape

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fire escape was in 1725

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fire escape.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20escape. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

fire escape

noun
: a stairway or ladder that provides a means of escape from a building in case of fire

More from Merriam-Webster on fire escape

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!