What does hoistway mean?
Hoistway is the technical name for a vertical shaft or enclosed passage in a building that contains a lift or elevator, along with parts of its operating machinery. The word is especially useful to anyone studying architecture, construction, building regulations, or elevator systems. In British English, lift shaft is the more usual everyday expression, while American speakers commonly say elevator shaft; hoistway remains important in technical and professional contexts. A hoistway may serve passenger elevators, freight elevators, or other types of lifting equipment, and its design must accommodate the moving car, guides, doors, and safety arrangements. Although the term can sound unfamiliar, it precisely identifies the vertical space and structure involved in an elevator installation. It should not be confused with a hoist, which is the lifting device or mechanism itself rather than the shaft that contains the elevator.
nounA vertical shaft or enclosed passage containing a lift or elevator and its associated machinery. In British English, it is often called a lift shaft; in American English, elevator shaft is the more familiar term.
- A vertical shaft or enclosed passage containing a lift or elevator together with its machinery.
"The building's new hoistway was designed to accommodate a high-speed elevator."
"Inspectors checked the hoistway before the building was opened to the public."
"A narrow service hoistway provides access to the warehouse's upper floors."
The regular plural is hoistways, though the word is normally used in technical or professional writing.
"The drawings identify the hoistways for each of the building's elevators."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hoistway come from?
Hoistway is an English compound formed from hoist and way. Hoist comes through Middle English and Old French from a Germanic source associated with raising or lifting, while way descends from Old English weg, meaning a path or route. Together, the elements describe a way or passage used for hoisting, later specialized for the shaft containing a lift or elevator.
How hoistway is actually used
Hoistway is a formal technical term used in architecture, building services, and elevator engineering. It is less common in everyday speech than the regional alternatives lift shaft and elevator shaft.
Easily confused with hoistway
A hoist is a device or mechanism used to lift or move a load, whereas a hoistway is the shaft or passage in which a lift or elevator travels.