split-level

[ split-lev-uhl ]

adjective

1. noting a house having a room or rooms that are somewhat above or below adjacent rooms, with the floor levels usually differing by approximately half a story.

noun

1. a split-level house.

split-level

adjective

1. (of a house, room, etc) having the floor level of one part about half a storey above or below the floor level of an adjoining part

Word History and Origins

Origin of split-level¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

For 100 intermission-less minutes on a split-level rotating set, the two worlds play out, separately at first but gradually intertwining as we learn the tragic connections between the bridegroom’s family and the long-ago events at an international school.

From Seattle Times

In a split-level room that seemed more suited for a cocktail reception than a political rally, college Republicans in half-zips and well-dressed matrons holding up their cellphones crowded in for Haley to deliver her “hard truths” and boast about all the “fellas” she had outlasted so far in the presidential primary.

From Slate

For example, a new three-bedroom split-level house on Beacon Hill sold for $16,500 in 1961.

From Seattle Times

On opposite sides of a sparsely furnished split-level stage, two women, Caroline and Alice, tell us about the dissolution of their childhood friendship after they were sexually abused by the same man.

From New York Times

Palardy recently represented buyers who paid about $1.1 million for a split-level in Lake Forest Park listed for $975,000.

From Seattle Times