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

Video shows renderings of the building with golden escalators and a golden statue of the president raising his fist in the air.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

The cost, I’m told, would depend on what the enhancements include: signs, lights, trees, shade canopies, sidewalk repairs, escalators, and so on.

From Los Angeles Times

While some of the company's contracts include fuel escalators, allowing the price paid by the customer to fluctuate depending on the cost of diesel, many do not allow the firm to recoup increased fuel costs.

From BBC

Sheikh Mohamed shook hands with children and rode the mall’s crowded escalators.

From The Wall Street Journal