upstairs

especially British, above stairs

[uhp-stairz]

adverb

1. up the stairs; to or on an upper floor.

2. Informal.,  in the mind.

   to be a little weak upstairs.

3. to or at a higher level of authority.

   You may have to take the matter upstairs.

4. Military Slang.,  at or to a higher level in the air.

adjective

1. Also upstair of, relating to, or situated on an upper floor.

   an upstairs window;

   an upstairs apartment.

noun

plural

upstairs 

1. (usually used with a singular verb),  an upper story or stories; the part of a building or house that is above the ground floor.

   The upstairs of this house is entirely rented.

2. a higher command or level of authority.

   We can't take action till we have approval from upstairs.

upstairs

/ ˈʌpˈstɛəz /

adverb

1. up the stairs; to or on an upper floor or level

2. informal,  to or into a higher rank or office

3. informal,  in the mind

   a little weak upstairs

4. informal,  to promote to a higher rank or position, esp one that carries less power

noun

1. 1. an upper floor or level

   2. ( as modifier )

      an upstairs room

2. informal,  the masters and mistresses of a household collectively, esp of a large house Compare downstairs

Word History and Origins

Origin of upstairs¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; up- + stairs

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. kick upstairs, to promote (a person) to a higher position, usually having less authority, in order to be rid of them.

see kick upstairs.