What does elevator mean?
An elevator is a mechanical platform or enclosed cabin that moves vertically within a shaft, transporting people or goods between the floors of a building. The word is standard American English; speakers of British English more commonly say 'lift,' though elevator is widely understood internationally. Elevators range from small residential units to high-capacity freight models, with grain elevators being a notable industrial variant that moves bulk grain rather than people. The word derives from the Latin 'elevare,' meaning to lift or raise, via the English verb 'elevate.' Beyond its literal sense, 'elevator' has entered idiomatic American English in phrases such as 'elevator pitch' (a brief persuasive statement deliverable during a short ride) and 'elevator music' (unobtrusive background music). Safe passenger elevators became widespread after Elisha Otis demonstrated his safety brake in the mid-nineteenth century, enabling modern skyscrapers.
A platform or cabin moving vertically in a shaft to carry people or goods between levels of a building.
"Press the button and wait for the elevator."
Standard in US English; British English uses 'lift'.
(Figurative) Something that raises or uplifts.
"Music can be a real elevator of mood."
Regular plural formation by adding -s.
"The building has six high-speed elevators serving all forty floors."
The word 'elevator' was coined in America — and so was the safety brake that finally let people trust them with their lives.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of elevator
Elevator comes from the Latin 'elevare,' formed from 'e-' (out) plus 'levis' (light) or 'levare' (to raise), meaning 'to lift up.' The English verb 'elevate' entered the language from Latin in the fifteenth century, and 'elevator' emerged later as its agent noun. The mechanical sense became established in nineteenth-century America, where the term remains standard today, while British English adopted the shorter 'lift' instead.
Related word forms
How elevator is actually used
'Elevator' is standard American English; British English strongly prefers 'lift' for the same device. In technical contexts, 'elevator' is understood internationally. The plural is regular: 'elevators.'
Easily confused with elevator
An elevator is an enclosed cabin moving vertically in a shaft, while an escalator is a continuously moving staircase.