ratline

noun

rat·line | \ ˈrat-lən

Definition of ratline

: any of the small transverse ropes attached to the shrouds of a ship so as to form the steps of a rope ladder —usually used in plural

Examples of ratline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For women artists, substance use is generally grouped under the larger umbrella of madness, historically a kind of ratline to institutionalization, often against their will, for women ranging from Zelda Fitzgerald to Britney Spears. — New York Times, 24 Mar. 2022

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ratline.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.