Pronunciation: /bæk.stɛrz/
noun a secondary staircase, usually located in the rear of a building
A1 The maid used the backstairs to go up to the attic.
A2 The backstairs were narrow and steep, making it difficult to carry the heavy boxes.
B1 The backstairs were hidden behind a door in the kitchen, leading to the servants' quarters.
B2 The backstairs provided a discreet way for the staff to move around the mansion without being seen by the guests.
C1 The backstairs were well-maintained and carpeted, showing that the household took pride in all areas of the house.
C2 The backstairs were a maze of twists and turns, but the butler knew the layout like the back of his hand.
adjective relating to or characteristic of secret or underhanded activities
A1 The backstairs entrance is for employees only.
A2 She found a backstairs route to avoid the crowded main staircase.
B1 The backstairs hallway was dimly lit and rarely used.
B2 The backstairs exit led directly to the parking lot.
C1 The backstairs access was restricted to authorized personnel only.
C2 The backstairs passage was a convenient shortcut for those in the know.
formal The backstairs are reserved for staff use only.
informal Let's take the backstairs to avoid the crowds.
slang I heard a rumor that they were sneaking around the backstairs.
figurative She always takes the backstairs approach to solving problems.
backstaired
backstairs
more backstairs
most backstairs
backstairs
will backstairs
have backstaired
is backstairing
backstairs
backstairs
to backstairs
backstairing
backstairing