stairway

noun

stair·​way ˈster-ˌwā How to pronounce stairway (audio)
: one or more flights of stairs usually with landings to pass from one level to another

Examples of stairway 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.
Beginning at Sunrise Point Fishing Pier, the route winds northwest through the city—ascending stairways, threading through hillside neighborhoods, and weaving across parks both iconic and obscure—before culminating at Lands End Lookout. Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026 Rental property units must also maintain working amenities including but not limited to water heating facilities, heating facilities, water and sewer lines, plumbing and electrical fixtures, lighted common halls and stairways, and, if provided, cooking equipment. Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 20 Jan. 2026 Armani also paid special attention to the well-being of the yacht’s 19-member crew, creating discreet stairways, generous sleeping spaces, and their own dedicated deck forward of the wheelhouse for socializing. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2026 Anyone getting off at the Lake Street CTA Red Line subway stop on Sunday might have noticed some new signage near the station's stairways to street level. CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stairway

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stairway was in 1767

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stairway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stairway. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

stairway

noun
stair·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce stairway (audio)
: one or more flights of stairs usually with landings to pass from one level to another

More from Merriam-Webster on stairway

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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