stairwell

noun

stair·​well ˈster-ˌwel How to pronounce stairwell (audio)
: a vertical shaft in which stairs are located

Examples of stairwell 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.
Polizzi looked toward the stairwell leading up toward her children's soon-to-be former bedrooms. — Jared Kofsky, ABC News, 29 July 2026 At the bottom of a stairwell, the complaint alleges, Truelove spotted Melvin and called out his name. — Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 At that event, an armed hotel guest managed to breach a stairwell near the security perimeter and charge the metal detectors with guns drawn, allegedly shooting a Secret Service agent but getting apprehended before reaching the ballroom doors. — Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 If the alert sounds, people will panic, flood into stairwells, run into the street and get hurt. — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stairwell

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stairwell was in 1920

Rhymes for stairwell

See All Rhymes for stairwell

Browse Nearby Words

stairway
stairwell
stair wire
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stairwell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stairwell. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stairwell

noun
stair·​well -ˌwel How to pronounce stairwell (audio)
: a vertical shaft in which stairs are located

More from Merriam-Webster on stairwell

Nglish: Translation of stairwell for Spanish Speakers

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