stairway

American  

[stair-wey] / ˈstɛərˌweɪ /

noun

1. a passageway from one level, as of a building, to another by a series of stairs; staircase.

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stairway British  

/ ˈstɛəˌweɪ /

noun

1. a means of access consisting of stairs; staircase or flight of steps

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Etymology

Origin of stairway

First recorded in 1790–1800; stair + way ¹

Example Sentences

After an initial ascent, Harrop was neck-and-neck with Fatton as the pair took off their skis to climb a stairway on foot.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

Afterward, in a stairway, he said, “What are you going to do when you leave?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

He is said to control a path to the “Infinite Land,” which turns out to be a literal stairway to heaven.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025

Work on decorative details, sculptures and a stairway leading to the building's main entrance is expected to continue over the next decade.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2025

The sound drifted down the back stairway and pulled me up the stairs toward it.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

Related Words

• staircase
• stairwell