escalator

1 of 2

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor ˈe-skə-ˌlā-tər 

nonstandard

-skyə- 

1

a

: a power-driven set of stairs arranged like an endless belt that ascend or descend continuously

b

: an upward course suggestive of an escalator

a never-stopping escalator of economic progress

—D. W. Brogan

2

: an escalator clause or provision

escalator

2 of 2

adjective

: providing for a periodic proportional upward or downward adjustment (as of prices or wages)

an escalator arrangement tying the base pay … to living costs

—New York Times

Examples of escalator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Benefits have risen over time, particularly with the automatic annual cost of living escalator. —Erik Sherman, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

During the last negotiation, Smith signed a deal that, with the help of performance escalators, would pay him like a top-10 quarterback. —Michael-Shawn Dugar, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025

Purdy is under contract in 2025 for $5.2 million, thanks to an escalator which boosted his salary from the $1 million range for making the Pro Bowl in 2023. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 9 Feb. 2025

The deal was worth up to $144 million through salary escalators. —Sophie Hanson, StyleCaster, 9 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from Escalator, a trademark

First Known Use

Noun

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for escalator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

escalator

noun

es·​ca·​la·​tor

ˈes-kə-ˌlāt-ər

: a moving set of stairs arranged like a continuous belt