BACKSTAIRS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does backstairs mean? 

• BACKSTAIRS (noun)
  The noun BACKSTAIRS has 1 sense:

1. a second staircase at the rear of a building

  Familiarity information: BACKSTAIRS used as a noun is very rare.

• BACKSTAIRS (adjective)
  The adjective BACKSTAIRS has 1 sense:

1. secret and sly or sordid

  Familiarity information: BACKSTAIRS used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BACKSTAIRS (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A second staircase at the rear of a building

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Hypernyms ("backstairs" is a kind of...):

staircase; stairway (a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps)

Domain usage:

plural; plural form (the form of a word that is used to denote more than one)

• BACKSTAIRS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Secret and sly or sordid

Synonyms:

backstair; backstairs; furtive

Context example:

furtive behavior

Similar:

covert (secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed)

 Context examples 

Now, Jane, trip on before us away to the backstairs; unbolt the side-passage door, and tell the driver of the post-chaise you will see in the yard—or just outside, for I told him not to drive his rattling wheels over the pavement—to be ready; we are coming: and, Jane, if any one is about, come to the foot of the stairs and hem.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)