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 of ladder

• hierarchy
• 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

For pre-retirees evaluating approaches like bond ladders, bucket strategies, or annuities, this framework is a reminder that no single product or asset class is a silver bullet. —Kansas City Star, 27 Mar. 2026

Lewis risked much in trying to help those who had a tough start in life up the ladder. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Ana Feliz Video obtained by CBS News New York shows firefighters climbing out the window and down ladders. —Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026

Climbing the franchise ladder During his college days, Walker worked summers for the Rockies as a member of the grounds crew at Coors Field, in the visiting clubhouse, in the ticket office, and on the gameday promotions team. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for ladder

• adder
• bladder
• madder
• sadder
• gallbladder
• stepladder

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