How Do You Spell STAIRWAY?

Pronunciation: [stˈe͡əwe͡ɪ] (IPA)

When it comes to the spelling of the word "stairway," it can be a bit tricky. The word is spelled with an "a" and not an "e" because it is derived from the word "stair," which has an "a" sound. When using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), the word "stairway" is pronounced as /ˈstɛrweɪ/, with the stress falling on the first syllable. This means the "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as "eh" while the "ai" in the second syllable is pronounced as "ey."

STAIRWAY Meaning and Definition

1. A stairway is a structure or means of access that consists of a set of steps or stairs leading from one level or floor to another. It is typically constructed within a building or other enclosed space, allowing people to move vertically between different levels. A common feature in homes, offices, commercial buildings, and public spaces, stairways play a vital role in facilitating movement, circulation, and navigation.

   A stairway is usually designed with a handrail on one or both sides to provide support and enhance safety for individuals traversing the steps. The steps themselves are arranged in a linear or curved fashion, with each step comprising a horizontal tread and a vertical riser.

   Stairways can vary in design and style, featuring diverse materials such as wood, metal, concrete, or a combination thereof. They can be wide or narrow, steep or gradual, depending on the specific architectural requirement, space limitations, and aesthetic considerations. Moreover, stairways may be open or enclosed within a dedicated enclosure, such as a staircase or stairwell.

   Stairways are essential components of building codes and safety regulations, which outline specific guidelines for their dimensions, structural integrity, lighting, grip, and handrail design. This ensures that stairways are safe, accessible, and comfortable to use for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Top Common Misspellings for STAIRWAY *

• stariway 25%
• staiway 18.75%
• stairsway 18.75%
• staitway 12.5%
• stirway 12.5%
• stairwa 12.5%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for STAIRWAY

• starway
• stairwat
• staurday
• stiarway
• staiirway
• starday
• sairway
• stairw
• stairwel
• starways
• stairweay
• 3tairway
• stai2way
• stairwey
• stienway
• sterway
• stawnway
• stannway
• Staryway
• Stailway
• stairwae
• stairwye
• stairewae
• stairswey
• stearway
• stailay
• Smearyey
• stairwayl
• Slaidway
• Prairewaggon

Etymology of STAIRWAY

The word "stairway" originates from Middle English, combining the words "stair" and "way".

The word "stair" ultimately comes from the Old English "stæger", which meant a step or flight of steps. It has cognates in various Germanic languages, including the Old Norse "stiga", the Dutch "stieger", and the German "steige".

The word "way" comes from the Old English "weg", which referred to a path, road, or route.

So, "stairway" combines these two elements to describe a way or path made by a series of steps.

Similar spelling words for STAIRWAY

• straw,
• steier,
• STEAR,
• stria,
• stray,
• STIER,
• stair.

Plural form of STAIRWAY is STAIRWAYS