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

One student was up on a ladder wrapping a Tyvek moisture barrier around the exterior. —Emma Green, New Yorker, 17 Apr. 2026

She’s been knocked off ladders and thrown in dumpsters, and yet, strings of bad luck have kept her off the WrestleMania card for the last three years. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 17 Apr. 2026

Follow these tips and tricks collected from the pros to clean your ceiling fan without ever climbing a ladder. —Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 16 Apr. 2026

If climbing a ladder is no longer safe for you, this is a task worth hiring out. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 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