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
The court originally called for $84 million of the rights to be subjected to revenue sharing in Year 1, which was later increased to $130 million, with an annual escalator, after a deal between MLB and Guggenheim. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 4 Aug. 2026 And the animals have to stay away from fountains and off the escalators. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026 Halls lead to escalators, more gray corridors, and ushers who shout instructions. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 29 July 2026 The first patent for an escalator was issued to Nathan Ames of Saugus, Massachusetts. — USA Today, 28 July 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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of escalator for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about escalator

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