Main Entry: lad·der

Pronunciation: \ˈla-dər\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hlǣder; akin to Old High German leitara ladder, Old English hlinian to lean — more at lean

Date: before 12th century

1 : a structure for climbing up or down that consists essentially of two long sidepieces joined at intervals by crosspieces on which one may step
2 : something that resembles or suggests a ladder in form or use; especially : run 11a
3 : a series of usually ascending steps or stages : scale <climbing up the corporate ladder>

— lad·der·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective