stairway

noun

stair·​way ˈster-ˌwā How to pronounce stairway (audio)
: one or more flights of stairs usually with landings to pass from one level to another

Examples of stairway in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This entry, with its open stairway, soars to the top of the second floor. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2026 Even the main stairway has been carefully considered, with wooden blocks wrapped in soft handmade suede. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 16 June 2026 Because the trains are historic, wheelchairs, mobility devices and strollers are not allowed in the coaches, which must be entered via narrow stairways. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026 Amid the dust and debris, Venezuelans helped older neighbors walk down rickety stairways, pulled people and pets to safety, and passed buckets of rubble hand to hand in the search for survivors. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stairway

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stairway was in 1767

Rhymes for stairway

See All Rhymes for stairway

Browse Nearby Words

stair tower
stairway
stairwell
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stairway.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stairway. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stairway

noun
stair·​way -ˌwā How to pronounce stairway (audio)
: one or more flights of stairs usually with landings to pass from one level to another

More from Merriam-Webster on stairway

Nglish: Translation of stairway for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stairway

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