Word
stairway
Phoneticsstair·way, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈstɛɹˌweɪ/
UK/stˈeəweɪ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a set of steps that you use to go from one floor of a building to another. It is usually inside a house or an office.
n. a set of steps, including the supporting structure and handrails, providing access between different levels of a building.
Examples
“The wooden stairway leads to the second floor.”
“The architect designed a wide, spiral stairway to serve as the central feature of the hotel lobby.”
“Emergency protocols require that the stairway remain clear of obstructions at all times to ensure a rapid evacuation during a fire or other building crisis.”
Examples
simple
“The wooden stairway leads to the second floor.”
contextual
“The architect designed a wide, spiral stairway to serve as the central feature of the hotel lobby.”
complex
“Emergency protocols require that the stairway remain clear of obstructions at all times to ensure a rapid evacuation during a fire or other building crisis.”
Usage
Often used interchangeably with 'staircase', though 'stairway' more frequently refers to the entire passage or route.
Etymology
stair + way
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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