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
From the M-W Editors
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.
Origin and Etymology 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
LADDER Defined for English Language Learners
ladder
playDefinition of ladder for English Language Learners
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: a device used for climbing that has two long pieces of wood, metal, or rope with a series of steps or rungs between them
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: a series of steps or stages by which someone moves up to a higher or better position
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: a long hole in a stocking
LADDER Defined for Kids
ladder
playDefinition of ladder for Students
: a device used for climbing usually consisting of two long pieces of wood, rope, or metal joined at short distances by horizontal pieces on which a person may step
Learn More about ladder
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See words that rhyme with ladder Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ladder Spanish Central: Translation of ladder Nglish: Translation of ladder for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ladder for Arabic speakers
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