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

When bereft, she even manages to sadly tip-tap her tiny feet up a staircase.

From Los Angeles Times

Once you properly enter the space, a second, even more eye-catching sight awaits you: a staircase that winds up all four floors that resembles the one at the Dior Galerie in Paris.

From Los Angeles Times

"The police held us back for a short while and took us down a long concrete staircase into the main road," Pedley said.

From BBC

Related Words

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