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
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
Shortly thereafter, crews wearing beige and blue coveralls reach the edge before tossing life preservers and lowering a ladder.
—
Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
The open design of ladder shelves ensures that each Squishmallow is easily visible and accessible.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
Two-story Luxury Triangular Modular Frame Villa The first floor of the home boasts a full kitchen with plenty of counter space and storage, and while there’s space for a bed on the first floor, there’s also a second floor accessible by ladder with ample room for another bed.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
The robbery lasted less than seven minutes, as the bandits used a truck with an extendable ladder to cut through a window on a second-floor balcony, according to police.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ladder
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025
The open design of ladder shelves ensures that each Squishmallow is easily visible and accessible.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 2025
Two-story Luxury Triangular Modular Frame Villa The first floor of the home boasts a full kitchen with plenty of counter space and storage, and while there’s space for a bed on the first floor, there’s also a second floor accessible by ladder with ample room for another bed.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Dec. 2025
The robbery lasted less than seven minutes, as the bandits used a truck with an extendable ladder to cut through a window on a second-floor balcony, according to police.
—Mason Leath, ABC News, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ladder
Cite this Entry
“Ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladder. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share