Words / A1

ESK-uh-layt-uh/ˈeskəleɪtə/

An escalator is moving stairs that carry people up or down, in a shop, station, or airport. Take the escalator; stand on the right (British underground habit). Countable: an escalator. A lift goes up in a box; stairs do not move; an escalator moves. Mind the gap is for trains, not this word.

Meaning

Moving stairs that carry people up or down.

Examples

• “Take the escalator to the first floor.”
• “The escalator is broken; use the stairs.”
• “Hold the handrail on the escalator.”

Good to know

an escalator (moving stairs). Contrast: lift (box), stairs (do not move). in a shop / station.

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