1. vertical shafts or enclosed spaces containing staircases in buildings
Usage: plural of stairwell

Examples

• The fire alarm echoed through the stairwells of the apartment building.
• Emergency lighting illuminated the dark stairwells during the power outage.
• Students gathered in the stairwells between classes.
• The building’s stairwells were painted bright yellow for visibility.
• Smoke detectors were installed in all the stairwells for safety.
• The janitor mopped the floors of the stairwells every morning.