Stair: meaning, definitions and examples

Refer the first entry for 'stair' - it's the same word repeated.

• Be careful, that stair is broken
• I tripped on the last stair

A general term used to describe individual movements you make to go up or down, or the individual parts of a staircase, can also refer to outdoor stairs.

• Watch your steps while going down the hill
• The library's entrance has a few steps

Used to describe a complete set of stairs including the structure that supports them, often used when speaking about architecture and interior design.

• The house has a beautiful spiral staircase
• They decorated the staircase with garlands for the holidays

Used to describe a continuous series of steps from one landing or floor to another without a break.

• We live on the fourth floor, so we have to climb four flights of stairs
• She got tired after the first flight of stairs

Refers to a single step in a series of steps forming a staircase. Used when specifically talking about individual steps.

• She tripped on the last stair.
• Each stair was covered in a soft carpet.

Commonly used to describe the action of moving upwards on something such as a ladder, mountain, or stairs. Implies physical effort. Can also be used metaphorically for progressing through ranks or levels.

• He had to climb the rock wall to reach the top.
• She aims to climb the corporate ladder.

Used in more formal or poetic contexts to describe moving upward, typically when the motion is deliberate and significant. Often associated with climbing mountains, rising to power, or moving to a higher position.

• They began to ascend the mountain just before dawn.
• She watched the hot air balloon ascend into the sky.

Often used when referring to getting onto something, such as a horse or bike. Can also mean to go up something, typically used in a more formal or literary way.

• She mounted her horse and rode away.
• They mounted the steps with caution.