fire escape

noun

1. an apparatus or structure used to escape from a burning building, as a metal stairway down an outside wall.

fire escape

noun

1. a means of evacuating people from a building in the event of fire, esp a metal staircase outside the building

Word History and Origins

Origin of fire escape¹

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

That meant bringing a splash of West Side Story to the ceremony, with the singer dancing on rooftops and fire escapes with dancers dressed in 1950s-style fedoras.

From BBC

"I turned up to a nightclub in Bristol and the event was for me to throw burgers at the students off a fire escape," she said.

From BBC

Grilling can be problematic on fire escapes, balconies and parks that don’t allow open flames.

From Seattle Times

Officials also said rescue efforts were slowed by limited access to the building, which has a single staircase and no fire escape.

From BBC

Officials said rescue efforts were slowed by limited access to the building, which has a single staircase and no fire escape.

From BBC