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

Beyond the kitchen, down a short staircase, is another sitting room, also full of teenagers, many of them dancing to Dua Lipa’s “Levitating.”

From Literature

She led Clare up a tight, spiraling staircase, shedding coils of moss in her wake.

From Literature

The work will see a staircase tower rebuilt, a large fireplace in the kitchen strengthened, and repairs carried out in the walled garden.

From BBC

There are elements in the staircase where the execution is shockingly crude, as in the loosely attached and poorly aligned metal panels capping the stair railing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Epstein, in a schlumpy gray sweatshirt and sweatpants, radiated energy as he alone stood at the staircase, surveying the room.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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