escalator

American  

[es-kuh-ley-ter] / ˈɛs kəˌleɪ tər /

noun

1. a continuously moving staircase on an endless loop for carrying passengers up or down.

2. a means of rising or descending, increasing or decreasing, etc., especially by stages.

   the social escalator.

3. escalator clause.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or included in an escalator clause.

   The union demands escalator protection of wages.

escalator British  

/ ˈɛskəˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a moving staircase consisting of stair treads fixed to a conveyor belt, for transporting passengers between levels, esp between the floors of a building

2. short for escalator clause

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Etymology

Origin of escalator

An Americanism first recorded in 1895–1900; formerly a trademark; perhaps escal(ade) + (elev)ator

Example Sentences

The best explanation I got was: Imagine there’s an escalator that takes you up, but when you get to the top of the escalator you’re down.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

College freshmen right now were 8 years old when Trump walked down the escalator.

From Slate • Jan. 14, 2026

“In the escalator example, the only value accrued to the customer. This is how it always goes if no monopoly rents can be charged by the producers or providers,” added Burry.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 12, 2026

It’s like comparing a roller coaster to an escalator.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

Proof positive that the escalator trade was possible.

From "The Season of Styx Malone" by Kekla Magoon