escalator

[es-kuh-ley-ter]

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.

adjective

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

   The union demands escalator protection of wages.

escalator

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of escalator¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of escalator¹

C20: originally a trademark

Example Sentences

But, as the UN made clear, the escalator suddenly stopped after a White House videographer accidentally triggered a safety mechanism.

From Salon

Here’s where I imagine Norway leaning over and whispering to Oman, “At least our escalators work.”

From Los Angeles Times

He also called for the arrest of the people responsible for the escalator incident, referencing an article in the Times that said UN workers joked about turning off the escalators.

From BBC

General Assembly to deliver a belligerent and lengthy speech when the escalator he and the first lady were riding stopped abruptly, forcing them to walk the rest of the way up.

From Salon

The White House had raised concerns that someone deliberately stopped the escalator as the couple were stepping on.

From BBC