multistoried

Multistoried is an adjective used to describe a building or structure that has more than one floor. The term is formed from multi- (many) and storied (having stories or floors). In American English, the spelling multistoried is common; in British English, the hyphenated form multi-storey or the British variant multi-storeyed is used. The word is primarily encountered in architectural, historical, and real estate writing to specify the vertical complexity of a building rather than its height alone.

In architectural practice, multistoried buildings may use various structural systems, including load-bearing walls, frame structures, or a combination, and they require provisions for vertical circulation, such as stairs, elevators, and fire escapes. Design considerations include safety, accessibility, daylighting, egress, and structural efficiency. The concept is not tied to a particular era; multi-story construction has evolved from timber and masonry buildings in urban centers to steel-and-concrete high-rises.

Usage and context: The phrase can describe any building with multiple floors, from village houses with several levels to modern office towers. In historical texts, multistoried structures are often noted for their layout, interior spatial organization, and the social functions of upper levels. The term is distinct from high-rise, which emphasizes height, and from single-story or single-storey structures, which have only one floor.