stair definition - Dictionary

Dictionary

stair [ ster ]

noun (plural stairs)

Definition:

1. single step: a step in a series of steps leading from one floor or level to another

2. series of steps: a flight of steps leading from one floor or level to another

plural noun stairs

Definition:

set of steps: a set or several sets of steps leading from one floor or level to another

[ Old English stǣger< Indo-European, "to step"]

Spelling Note


	stair or stare? Do not confuse the spelling of stair and stare, which sound similar. Stair is a noun denoting a step or series of steps, as in climb up the stairs to the top floor, and is also found in related compound words such as staircase and downstairs. Stare is a verb or noun referring to a fixed look or facial expression with the eyes wide open (as in staring at her in astonishment, a vacant stare) and is also used figuratively: The solution to the problem was staring us in the face.