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

The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen, was tackled by authorities near a staircase leading down to a ballroom where the White House Correspondents' dinner was taking place.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

In a scene where Jo’s songs travel up a staircase, Hitchcock had planned to fuse the two.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

The foyer is the epitome of luxury thanks to its grand staircase and shimmering chandelier.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

Wogan Cavern, thought to have been dug out by the Victorians, is accessed via a spiral staircase from the castle.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

But when they got to the main staircase, he saw that the yellow glints were headed downstairs, not up to the deck.

From "I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912" by Lauren Tarshis

Related Words

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