risers

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   The vertical front part of a step, especially on a staircase.

   Grammar: Usually plural in this sense; the singular 'riser' names one such part.

   Patterns

   • risers and treads
   • the risers of a staircase

   The carpenter measured the risers before cutting the wood for the stairs.

   She painted the risers white and the treads dark gray.

   The building code says each riser must be no more than seven inches high.

2. 2nounplural

   Raised platforms or steps used to lift people or equipment higher.

   Grammar: Often used for temporary platforms at events; singular 'riser' is also possible.

   Patterns

   • on risers
   • a set of risers
   • choir risers

   The choir stood on wooden risers at the back of the stage.

   They rented risers for the school concert so the audience could see better.

   The drum kit was placed on a small set of risers.

3. 3nounplural

   A person who gets out of bed at a particular time, especially in compounds like 'early riser'.

   Grammar: Usually appears in phrases like 'early riser' or 'late riser'; the singular is 'riser'.

   Patterns

   • early risers
   • late risers

   Early risers can catch the first train at five o'clock.

   My brother is a late riser and never eats breakfast before ten.

   The hotel serves coffee for early risers from six a.m.

4. 4nounpluraltechnical

   Vertical pipes that carry water or gas upward in a building.

   Grammar: Technical plumbing term; singular 'riser' refers to one pipe.

   Patterns

   • water risers
   • gas risers
   • the risers in a building

   The plumber checked the risers for leaks.

   New risers were installed to bring water to the upper floors.

   The building's gas risers must be inspected every year.

Word forms

Common combinations

early riser

She's an early riser and goes for a run before work.

risers and treads

The staircase needs new risers and treads.

choir risers

The choir risers were set up in the hall.

on risers

The band played on risers so everyone could see them.

water risers

The water risers run up the side of the building.

Synonyms and how they differ

steps

Refers to the whole step, including the horizontal part; 'risers' is only the vertical front.

platform

A raised flat surface; 'risers' are often a set of small platforms or steps.

pipes

General word for tubes; 'risers' specifically carry water or gas upward.

Word family

rise verb

To go upward or get up.

riser noun

Singular form: one vertical step part, one platform, or one person who rises.

Commonly confused: risers or riser? risers or raiser?

Practice

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