English Reference
noun

storey

n.
US /ˈstɔɹi/ UK /stˈɔːɹi/ storey UK spelling storeys

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate British English

    one of the levels or floors in a building.

    a horizontal level or floor of a building, including all the rooms on that level.

    Simple

    They live in a modern apartment on the third storey of the building.

    In context

    The local council rejected the proposal for a ten-storey office block, citing concerns that it would overshadow the historic town square.

    Usage

    The plural is spelled 'storeys'.

    Teacher's tip

    Remind students that 'storey' refers to the physical level of a building, while 'story' usually refers to a tale or narrative in British English.

    Pitfall
    The building has five storys. The building has five storeys.

    In British English, the plural of 'storey' is 'storeys'. In American English, the word is spelled 'story' and the plural is 'stories'.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical

    a level in the shape of certain letters, like the two parts of a lowercase 'g'.

    a vertical level or tier within the structure of certain typographic characters, most notably the 'double-storey' lowercase 'a' and 'g'.

    Simple

    The font uses a double-storey 'g' which makes it look more traditional.

    In context

    Typographers often distinguish between humanist and grotesque typefaces by observing whether the lowercase 'a' is single-storey or double-storey.

    Usage

    Usually used in the phrases 'single-storey' or 'double-storey' when describing fonts.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a very niche term used by designers and typographers; general learners do not need to produce it.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated