Definition

1. Noun:
   • A freight elevator: A "service elevator" is an elevator specifically designed and used for transporting goods, supplies, or freight within a building, rather than primarily for passengers. It is often larger, more durable, and may access service or utility areas.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The furniture delivery will be made using the service elevator at the rear of the building.
  • Hotel staff use the service elevator to transport linens and room service carts.

Advanced Usage

• "to take the service elevator": to use the freight elevator, often implying one is moving items or using a staff/utility route.
  • We'll have to take the service elevator because this package won't fit in the passenger lifts.

Variants and Related Words

• Freight elevator (n): A direct synonym for "service elevator."
• Goods lift (n): A term used primarily in British English with the same meaning.
• Dumbwaiter (n): A very small elevator for transporting food or other items between floors, typically in a restaurant or large home. This is a related but distinct type of service lift.

Synonyms

• Freight elevator
• Goods lift
• Cargo elevator

Notes on Meaning

• The term "service elevator" emphasizes the elevator's purpose for service, maintenance, and logistical functions within a building (e.g., for staff, deliveries, trash removal). It is contrasted with a "passenger elevator." In some contexts, especially in older or British usage, it may also refer to an elevator reserved for the use of domestic staff.

Noun

1. an elevator designed for carrying freight