elevator

noun

el·​e·​va·​tor ˈe-lə-ˌvā-tər How to pronounce elevator (audio)
1
: one that raises or lifts something up: such as
a
: an endless belt or chain conveyor with cleats, scoops, or buckets for raising material
b
: a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for conveying people or things to different levels
2
: a movable airfoil usually attached to the tailplane of an airplane for controlling pitch see airplane illustration

Examples of elevator in a Sentence

We took the elevator to the 10th floor.
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.
Accessibility The resort is fully ADA compliant, with accessible rooms, ramps, and elevators. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 The slinky will slide back down the pole, giving the squirrel a nice elevator ride to the ground. Heather Bien, The Spruce, 21 May 2026 The villa spreads across three levels plus a basement, with elevator access throughout. Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 21 May 2026 The restaurant is open to the public and can be accessed by anyone from the lobby elevators. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 21 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for elevator

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of elevator was in 1646

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Elevator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elevator. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

elevator

noun
el·​e·​va·​tor ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce elevator (audio)
1
a
: a continuous belt or chain conveyor for raising material
b
: a cage or platform and its hoisting machinery for carrying things or people to different levels
c
: a building for elevating, storing, unloading, and sometimes grinding grain

called also grain elevator

2
: a movable device shaped like a wing that is usually attached to the tail of an airplane for producing motion up or down

Medical Definition

elevator

noun
el·​e·​va·​tor ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər How to pronounce elevator (audio)
1
: a dental instrument for removing teeth or the roots of teeth which cannot be gripped with a forceps
2
: a surgical instrument for raising a depressed part (as a bone) or for separating contiguous parts

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