# stairwell

/ˈstɛɹˌwɛɫ/ (US) · /stˈeəwɛl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stairwell
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the area inside a building where the stairs are located. It is usually a vertical space with walls around it.

For teachers: the enclosed vertical space within a building that contains a flight of stairs.

## Examples

- The fire alarm went off in the stairwell.
- The emergency exit is located in the stairwell on the second floor of the office building.
- The architect designed the stairwell as a central atrium to allow natural light to reach the lower levels of the structure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.