Stairs: meaning, definitions and examples

General term for a set of steps in a building that allows people to move from one floor to another.

• She climbed the stairs to the attic.
• I can hear someone coming up the stairs.

Can refer to individual units of a stairway; also used for smaller, external stairs or gradations.

• Mind the steps; they are slippery when wet.
• We sat on the front steps to watch the sunset.

Includes both the stairs and the structure or space that contains them, often used in architectural contexts.

• The grand staircase in the mansion was impressive.
• She decorated the staircase with garlands for the holidays.

Refers to a continuous series of stairs between two floors or landings.

• They had to climb three flights of stairs to reach the apartment.
• He tripped on the last flight of stairs.

General term used to refer to a set of steps leading from one floor to another.

• She climbed the stairs to the second floor.
• The hotel had a grand staircase.

A set of stairs and its surrounding structure, often referring to the architectural element rather than just the steps.

• The mansion boasted a beautiful spiral staircase.
• They installed a new wooden staircase in the entryway.

Individual units of a staircase or could refer to small sets of stairs, typically outside or leading to a different level.

• He sat on the steps outside the house.
• Watch your step on these narrow steps.

Refers to a continuous series of stairs between two floors, often used when describing more than one set of steps.

• He ran up two flights of stairs.
• There was a flight of stairs between the lobby and the rooftop terrace.