English Reference
noun · verb

elevator

n. · v.
US /ˈɛɫəˌveɪtɝ/ UK /ˈɛlɪvˌeɪtɐ/ el·e·va·tor UK spelling elevator's, elevator's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate American English Cooking

    n.a tall building used for storing grain like wheat or corn.

    n.a large facility or tower designed for the storage and mechanical handling of grain.

    Simple

    The tall grain elevator stood out against the flat landscape of the farm.

    In context

    The cooperative invested in a modern grain elevator to ensure the harvest remained dry and protected from pests during the winter months.

    silogranary
  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Science

    n.a part on the tail of an airplane that helps it go up or down.

    n.a hinged horizontal control surface on the tail of an aircraft used to control pitch.

    Simple

    The pilot moved the elevator to make the plane climb higher.

    In context

    The flight investigator noted that the elevator had become unresponsive, preventing the pilot from correcting the aircraft's steep descent.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    n.a muscle in your body that helps lift a part of you, like your eye or arm.

    n.any muscle that serves to raise a specific body part or organ.

    Simple

    The doctor explained how the elevator muscle helps you look upward.

    In context

    The surgeon carefully avoided the elevator muscle of the upper eyelid to ensure the patient retained full motor function after the procedure.

    levator
  4. 04 C1 Advanced InformalAmerican English

    v.to travel from one floor to another using an elevator.

    v.to move or be transported via an elevator mechanism.

    Simple

    We decided to elevator up to the tenth floor instead of taking the stairs.

    In context

    Rather than navigating the crowded stairwell, the staff preferred to elevator down to the lobby during the lunch rush.

Don't confuse

elevator vs lift — Lift is the standard term in British English, while elevator is the standard term in American English.


From elevate + -or.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Frequent
Updated