es·ca·la·tor
ˈe-skə-ˌlā-tər 
nonstandard
-skyə-
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
D. W. Brogan2
: an escalator clause or provision
: 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
New York TimesExamples of escalator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
F.k. Plous, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Broken escalators and moving walkways are a major source of complaints from airport passengers, and their repairs are part of a wider renovation effort at Miami International Airport.
—Miami Herald, 7 July 2025
The county will pay $64.5 million total, with $34.5 million going to new escalators and stairs to improve access to the East and West club lounges, and to replace suite seats and to refurbish elevators.
$30 million will go to upgrading Junglevision, the stadium's video control room.
—Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Monday marked the 10-year anniversary of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump descending the Trump Tower’s golden escalator in New York City.
—Ally Goelz, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalator
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Noun
At the busy corner of Division Street and Ashland and Milwaukee avenues, the line would pass under the existing Blue Line subway station, where Super Loop passengers could ride an escalator up one level to transfer to trains to O’Hare or downtown.
—F.k. Plous, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025
Broken escalators and moving walkways are a major source of complaints from airport passengers, and their repairs are part of a wider renovation effort at Miami International Airport.
—Miami Herald, 7 July 2025
The county will pay $64.5 million total, with $34.5 million going to new escalators and stairs to improve access to the East and West club lounges, and to replace suite seats and to refurbish elevators.
$30 million will go to upgrading Junglevision, the stadium's video control room.
—Erin Glynn, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Monday marked the 10-year anniversary of President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump descending the Trump Tower’s golden escalator in New York City.
—Ally Goelz, The Washington Examiner, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalator
Cite this Entry
“Escalator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/escalator. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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