downstairs

[doun-stairz, doun-stairz]

adverb

1. down the stairs.

2. to or on a lower floor.

adjective

1. Also downstair pertaining to or situated on a lower floor, especially the ground floor.

noun

1. (used with a singular verb),  the lower floor or floors of a building.

   The downstairs is being painted.

2. the stairway designated for use by people descending.

   Don't try to go up the downstairs.

downstairs

/ ˈdaʊnˈstɛəz /

adverb

1. down the stairs; to or on a lower floor

noun

1. 1. a lower or ground floor

   2. ( as modifier )

      a downstairs room

2. informal,  the servants of a household collectively Compare upstairs

Word History and Origins

Origin of downstairs¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; down ¹ + stair + -s ³

Example Sentences

Mr Hasan said he went downstairs and could not see any sign of his friend, but instead saw Whybrow "with a very angry look on him".

From BBC

At night she retires to a downstairs guestroom, because if they share a bed Marc will pat her constantly throughout the night to make sure she’s still there.

From Los Angeles Times

Juno struggles to walk and needs to be carried up and downstairs and help getting in out of the bath.

From BBC

As exchange students, Amanda and Meredith enjoy relative freedom to explore, party and score the odd joint from a friendly group of young men living downstairs.

From Salon

Still, the panini press seemed urgent enough that he couldn’t risk leaving it downstairs even a moment longer.

From Salon

Related Words

• basement 
• canvas 
• carpet 
• deck 
• flooring 
• ground 
• mat 
• rug 
• stage