a provision in a contract calling for adjustments, usually increases, in charges, wages, or other payments, based on fluctuations in production costs, the cost of living, or other variables.
Origin of escalator clause
An Americanism dating back to 1925–30
Also called, especially British, escalation clause.
British Dictionary definitions for escalator clause
escalator clause
noun
a clause in a contract stipulating an adjustment in wages, prices, etc, in the event of specified changes in conditions, such as a large rise in the cost of living or price of raw materials
