staircase

American  

[stair-keys] / ˈstɛərˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a flight of stairs with its framework, banisters, etc., or a series of such flights.

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staircase British  

/ ˈstɛəˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a flight of stairs, its supporting framework, and, usually, a handrail or banisters

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Etymology

Origin of staircase

First recorded in 1615–25; stair + case ²

Compare meaning

How does staircase compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• stairwell vs. staircase

Example Sentences

That’s a break from the standard minimum of two staircases — connected by a corridor — required of buildings taller than three stories in nearly every other city in the country.

From Los Angeles Times

But an air of sadness pervades the grand staircases and halls of the Rand Club.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Hollywood star lit up the Metropolitan Museum of Art's grand staircase in a huge cape emblazoned with the recognisable face of the designer.

From BBC

But a renovation in the early 2010s transformed it into a modern dwelling while preserving some architectural details, including the original staircase.

From Washington Post

When television is finally laid to rest, we will still remember her sweeping down a staircase, in a dress made from drapes — and their rod — in a takeoff on “Gone With the Wind.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• access
• avenue
• corridor
• door
• doorway
• entry
• entryway
• gate
• hall
• hallway
• lobby
• opening
• passageway
• porch
• port