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
Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The space also houses FIT’s first non-classroom interior space that is meant to connect students — a full-floor commons with 20-foot ceilings that is accessible via an express escalator.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
The show followed George Jetson, corporate suit dad, in future world of flying cars, high-rises and moving sidewalk escalators.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025
Situated near the Mall’s main entrance, by the JW Marriott and in close proximity to mobility scooter rentals, escalators and elevators, it is meant to be an exhibit that is accessible to individuals and groups.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for escalator
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Noun
For the third consecutive year, Otis Worldwide—the largest elevator and escalator company in the world—appeared on Newsweek’s ranking of America’s Greenest Companies.
—Katherine Fung, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
The space also houses FIT’s first non-classroom interior space that is meant to connect students — a full-floor commons with 20-foot ceilings that is accessible via an express escalator.
—Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
The show followed George Jetson, corporate suit dad, in future world of flying cars, high-rises and moving sidewalk escalators.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2025
Situated near the Mall’s main entrance, by the JW Marriott and in close proximity to mobility scooter rentals, escalators and elevators, it is meant to be an exhibit that is accessible to individuals and groups.
—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 14 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 2025.
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