staircase

American  

[stair-keys] / ˈstɛərˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a flight of stairs with its framework, banisters, etc., or a series of such flights.

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staircase British  

/ ˈstɛəˌkeɪs /

noun

1. a flight of stairs, its supporting framework, and, usually, a handrail or banisters

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Etymology

Origin of staircase

First recorded in 1615–25; stair + case ²

Compare meaning

How does staircase compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• stairwell vs. staircase

Example Sentences

There are oversized arched windows, a claw-foot tub, a floating staircase, and soaring ceilings.

From MarketWatch

Reporting indicates that the only exit available from Le Constellation’s basement space was a narrow door at the top of a single staircase.

From The Wall Street Journal

The house is small and has a cramped staircase to the upper floor, but she pays her mortgage without difficulty and usually tacks on an extra $200 payment toward the principal, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Prof Galea said staircase exits can be fatal bottlenecks with people tripping and getting trampled.

From BBC

Several witnesses said the event space in the basement of the establishment, where the fire began, was connected with the ground floor by only a staircase, which some described as "narrow".

From Barron's

Related Words

• access
• avenue
• corridor
• door
• doorway
• entry
• entryway
• gate
• hall
• hallway
• lobby
• opening
• passageway
• porch
• port