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

The massive crystal chandeliers — original to the hotel and hanging in a staircase — will replace the modern lobby fixtures soon.

From Washington Post

It’s a dream library, with upper and lower tiers and a cine-dramatic circular staircase to get there.

From Los Angeles Times

The mostly abstract paintings are heavily blue, and the gestures are so liquid that they seemingly dripped off the canvases and directly onto the walls alongside the building’s staircase.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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