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.
The wash of Cormac’s stairwell walls is as beautiful as an Irving Penn backdrop cloth. — Literary Hub, 1 Sep. 2026 One bathroom had no toilet seat and there was no lighting in a stairwell used by elders unsure of their footing. — Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 New stairwell seating allows students to visit with each other. — Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Before sauntering down the stairwell to the dressing room, Stones stopped to sign autographs for fans in Inter’s pitchside hospitality suites. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 23 Aug. 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 5 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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