1. a vertical shaft or enclosed space containing a staircase

Examples

• The emergency exit sign pointed toward the stairwell.
• She heard footsteps echoing in the stairwell.
• The stairwell was dimly lit with fluorescent bulbs.
• Fire safety regulations require proper ventilation in each stairwell.
• They met accidentally in the office building’s stairwell.
• The stairwell connects all five floors of the apartment complex.