ladder

lad·der

noun, often attributive \ˈla-dər\

Definition of LADDER

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

Examples of LADDER

1. He was moving up the corporate ladder.
2. She worked her way up from the lowest rung on the economic ladder.
3. She got a ladder in her stocking.

Origin of LADDER

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LADDER

Synonyms

graduation, hierarchy, ³scale, ordering, ranking

Related Words

food chain, pecking order (also peck order); arrangement, array, disposal, disposition, distribution, sequence, series, setup; degree, echelon, footing, level, place, position, reaches, rung, situation, spot, standing, station, status

Rhymes with LADDER

adder, bladder, madder