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

She was setting them on the table when we heard Father’s step coming down the staircase.

From Literature

The door opened wider, and we saw then a lady in a dressing gown, coming down a huge wide staircase, and then hurrying towards us across the hallway.

From Literature

In the middle of the two-story space, May’s petite cafe sits tucked beneath the concrete staircase that leads to a terrace, the ideal place for cooling off mid shopping spree.

From The Wall Street Journal

A makeshift staircase at the side went up to the flat roof, where sheets and men’s shirts were hanging from lines strung on posts.

From Literature

Saxon claimed those changes included removing electricity and plumbing from the home, as well as removing a staircase and replacing it with a slide.

From BBC

Related Words

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