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

Its textured design adds dimension to any space, whether draped over the couch or hanging on a rung of a decorative ladder. —Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 2 Dec. 2025

Police say a 60-year-old man returned a ladder to a home in the 1100 block of Douglas when he was approached by a 49-year-old man holding a snow shovel and told to leave the area. —Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025

When on tour, the props used by the company travel separately by truck and include ladders, stilts, ropes, pool noodles, stretch fabrics and multiple inflatables. —Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025

But the Weekend is designed to pack and carry in a duffel bag, meaning the ladder carries separately and never needs to ride on the roof. —New Atlas, 30 Nov. 2025

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