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

That’s a break from the standard minimum of two staircases — connected by a corridor — required of buildings taller than three stories in nearly every other city in the country.

From Los Angeles Times

But an air of sadness pervades the grand staircases and halls of the Rand Club.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a boy, he sat on the staircase to get a view of the cocktail parties attended by the likes of Norman Mailer and John Lennon.

From New York Times

Complete gourmet kitchen, front and back staircases, broad deck, classic rustic red barn with noteworthy wooden interior.

From Washington Times

In the bravura action sequence, Keanu Reeves’s immensely talented assassin has to defeat a gantlet of enemies to reach the top of the staircase.

From New York Times

Related Words

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