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 step2: something that resembles or suggests a ladder in form or use ; especially : run 11a3: a series of usually ascending steps or stages : scale <climbing up the corporate ladder>

— lad·der·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective