stairwell

[/ˈstɛrwɛl/]
nounpl: stairwells
poço de escada
1. a shaft or enclosed space in a building that contains a staircase
The emergency stairwell is located at the end of the hallway.
O poço de escada de emergência fica no final do corredor.
2. the vertical passage or well through which stairs descend or ascend between floors
We took the stairwell instead of waiting for the elevator.
Descemos pelo poço de escada em vez de esperar pelo elevador.
In Brazilian buildings, stairwells are common safety features and emergency exits. The term 'poço de escada' is primarily used in formal or architectural contexts. In everyday speech, Brazilians might simply say 'escada' (stairs) or 'caixa de escada' when referring to the enclosed structure. In the USA, particularly in NYC, 'stairwell' is frequently used in safety protocols and building codes.
NYC Slang
stairwell (used literally, not as slang)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
staircasestair shaftstair wellstairway
Antonyms / Antônimos
elevator shaft

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
poço de escada
most common formal usage
General Brazilian
caixa de escada
alternative architectural term
São Paulo
poço de escada
standard usage in urban areas
Portugal
caixa de escadas
Portuguese preference for plural form

Related Words

staircasestairslandingbannisterflight of stairs

Related Idioms & Phrases

take the stairwell (to use stairs instead of elevator)
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