stairwell

Or stair well

[stair-wel]

noun

1. the vertical shaft or opening containing a stairway.

stairwell

/ ˈstɛəˌwɛl /

noun

1. a vertical shaft or opening that contains a staircase

Word History and Origins

Origin of stairwell¹

First recorded in 1915–20; stair + well ²

Example Sentences

The newly sanctioned apartments in Culver City are modeled on Seattle’s ordinance with fire prevention in mind: The unit count is capped, minimizing the chances of overcrowding in the stairwell.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It was the only day the cruise line attached vomit bags to each railing in the stairwells.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But just as I got close, the men ran up a stairwell, laughing.

Read more on BBC

The opening of an inquest into his death was told Mr Silcox fell into an atrium stairwell "following the collapse of a wooden bannister" in the early hours of 25 October.

Read more on BBC

Monday's collapses affected a buttress and part of the tower's base, then part of the stairwell and the roof, Rome's Directorate of Cultural Heritage said in a statement.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• staircase