Escalator: meaning, definitions and examples

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escalator

 

[ ˈɛskəˌleɪtər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

public transportation

A moving staircase consisting of an endlessly circulating belt of steps driven by a motor, conveying people between the floors of a public building.

Synonyms

moving staircase, moving stairway, moving steps.

Examples of usage

  • She took the escalator to reach the top floor of the shopping mall.
  • The crowded escalator made it difficult to move quickly.
Context #2 | Noun

everyday life

A device consisting of a continuous loop of steps that move up or down, allowing people to move easily between different levels of a building.

Synonyms

moving stairway, moving steps, people mover.

Examples of usage

  • The escalator was out of order, so we had to take the stairs instead.
  • I prefer taking the escalator instead of the elevator.

Translations

Translations of the word "escalator" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escada rolante

🇮🇳 स्वचालित सीढ़ी

🇩🇪 Rolltreppe

🇮🇩 eskalator

🇺🇦 ескалатор

🇵🇱 schody ruchome

🇯🇵 エスカレーター (esukarētā)

🇫🇷 escalator

🇪🇸 escalera mecánica

🇹🇷 yürüyen merdiven

🇰🇷 에스컬레이터 (eseukeolleiteo)

🇸🇦 سلم كهربائي (sullam kahrabāʾī)

🇨🇿 eskalátor

🇸🇰 eskalátor

🇨🇳 自动扶梯 (zìdòng fútī)

🇸🇮 eskalator

🇮🇸 rúllustigi

🇰🇿 эскалатор

🇬🇪 ესკალატორი (eskalatori)

🇦🇿 eskalator

🇲🇽 escalera mecánica

Etymology

The word 'escalator' originated from the combination of two Latin words: 'scala' meaning stairs and 'elevatus' meaning lifted up. The first escalator was patented by Jesse W. Reno in 1892 and installed as an amusement ride at Coney Island. It was later redesigned by Charles Seeberger and introduced as a moving staircase in department stores and other public buildings.

See also: escalating, escalation.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,498, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.