stair

noun

ˈster 

1

: a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another

—often used in plural but singular or plural in construction

… a narrow private stairs …

—Lewis Mumford

2

: a single step of a stairway

Examples of stair in a Sentence

She ran down the stairs.

He waited at the foot of the stairs.

She slipped and fell down the stairs.

The stairs lead to the roof.

We had to climb another flight of stairs to get to the roof.

He tripped on the bottom stair and almost fell.

Recent Examples on the Web

Active prevention One tried and true safety tactic, especially for young children, is placing safeguards that prevent access to dangerous items or situations – for example, installing cabinet locks, stair gates and outlet covers. — David C. Schwebel, The Conversation, 24 June 2026

Recently, Deep Robotics unveiled new footage of its DR02 humanoid traversing rough terrain, climbing stairs, and carrying equipment, which is built for industrial and hazardous-environment operations. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026

That gap is where Fanttik is placing its new Textra 11 Apex Cordless Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner, a compact spot cleaner designed to bring quick wet-cleaning power to carpets, sofas, car interiors, RV cushions, stairs, area rugs and other soft surfaces without tying the user to a wall outlet. — New Atlas, 24 June 2026

The circuit consisted of push-ups, chair stands, two-arm resistance-band rows and stair stepping. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English steir, from Old English stǣger; akin to Old English & Old High German stīgan to rise, Greek steichein to walk

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing stair

• stair climber
• stair climbing
• stair stepper

Rhymes for stair

• air
• ayre
• bahr
• bare
• blare
• care
• chair
• claire
• ere
• err
• eyre
• fair

Kids Definition

stair

noun

ˈsta(ə)r 

ˈste(ə)r

1

: a series of steps or flights of steps for passing from one level to another

—often used in plural

ran down the stairs

2

: one step of a stairway