elevator

noun

el·​e·​va·​tor ˈe-lə-ˌvā-tər 

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

c

: grain elevator

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

The pièce de résistance, connected by a key fob elevator, is a 2,500-square-foot private retreat on the 44th floor offering an infinity-edge pool, sauna, cold plunge, outdoor kitchen, and cactus garden. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 24 Aug. 2026

The elevators are hidden, and the stairs made prominent to encourage their use. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

Judging from the big sigh on the elevator, as Robby wraps his stethoscope around his neck like only Wyle can, he's not exactly refreshed and eager to step back into the emergency room. — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

The upper-level northbound bus stop, including the stairs and elevator leading to the stop, is scheduled to reopen Tuesday after being closed for construction. — Madison Smalstig, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing elevator

• elevator music
• grain elevator
• space elevator

Rhymes for elevator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

elevator

noun

el·​e·​va·​tor ˈel-ə-ˌvāt-ər 

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 

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