ladder

noun

lad·​der ˈla-dər 

often attributive

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 sense 11a

3

: a series of usually ascending steps or stages : scale

climbing up the corporate ladder

ladderlike

ˈla-dər-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms

• graduation
• hierarchy
• ordering
• ranking
• scale

Examples of ladder in a Sentence

He was moving up the corporate ladder.

She worked her way up from the lowest rung on the economic ladder.

She got a ladder in her stocking.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the fall of 2021, the 69-year-old climbed a ladder to the top of a shed in her pasture. —Sarah Jane Tribble, NPR, 5 June 2024

Fifteen crew members — twice as many as in a typical Mobile Unit production — were trundling dollies, road boxes and ladders from a library loading dock toward the stage. —Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 4 June 2024

CEOs have typically reached the pinnacle by climbing the corporate ladder through promotions every few years. —Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 30 May 2024

Rung for Women, an organization meant to uplift and inspire women to climb the economic ladder, is the current fiduciary agent for Metro in anticipation of the launch of his independent nonprofit foundation. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 21 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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 the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ladder

• accommodation ladder
• aerial ladder
• career ladder
• corporate ladder
• fish ladder
• hook and ladder truck
• Jacob's ladder
• ladder-back
• ladder truck
• rope ladder

Kids Definition

ladder

noun

lad·​der ˈlad-ər 

1

: a structure for climbing that consists of two long pieces (as of wood, rope, or metal) joined at short distances by crosspieces on which one may step

2

: something that suggests a ladder in form or use

3

: a series of steps or stages : scale

the corporate ladder