stairwell

or stair well

[ stair-wel ]

noun

1. the vertical shaft or opening containing a stairway.

stairwell

/ ˈstɛəˌwɛl /

noun

1. a vertical shaft or opening that contains a staircase

Word History and Origins

Origin of stairwell¹

First recorded in 1915–20; stair + well ²

Example Sentences

He rang 999 and pretended he had found her hanging from a stairwell.

From BBC

On a stairwell she sees more casualties, turns away in horror, picks up a bag and says "let’s go, so no-one else gets killed".

From BBC

There are electric conduits running up stairwells and racks of cables hanging from ceilings.

From Los Angeles Times

Little did he know that in order to chase his acting goals, he would be laying on his back painting the underside of stairwells in a 17-story apartment building to make a living.

From Los Angeles Times

Looking down the stairwell from the 75th floor the landings seem to stretch into infinity.

From BBC

Related Words

• staircase