escalator

1 of 2

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor ˈe-skə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce escalator (audio)
nonstandard
-skyə- How to pronounce escalator (audio)
1
a
: a power-driven set of stairs arranged like an endless belt that ascend or descend continuously
b
: an upward course suggestive of an escalator
… a never-stopping escalator of economic progress.—D. W. Brogan
2
: an escalator clause or provision

escalator

2 of 2

adjective

: providing for a periodic proportional upward or downward adjustment (as of prices or wages)
… an escalator arrangement tying the base pay … to living costs …—New York Times

Examples of escalator 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.
Noun
Videos obtained by community groups also show troops in groups of 20 or more stationed outside subway stations at night, blocking teens from descending the escalators to enforce a city curfew. — Brad Heath, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026 That iteration takes guests over the park’s signature entrance escalators between the upper and lower parking lots. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Bill Lindeke, an urban geographer specializing in non-motorized transportation, previously told the Observer turnstiles are easier to install if there are stairs or escalators to a subway, for example. — Dj Simmons, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2026 Even parking a little farther away, walking while doing a video call, or taking the stairs instead of the escalator add up. — Sadiya S. Khan, Time, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for escalator

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from Escalator, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of escalator was in 1900

Rhymes for escalator

See All Rhymes for escalator

Browse Nearby Words

escalation
escalator
escallonia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

escalator

noun
es·​ca·​la·​tor
ˈes-kə-ˌlāt-ər
: a moving set of stairs arranged like a continuous belt

More from Merriam-Webster on escalator

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about escalator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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