stepladder

noun

step·​lad·​der ˈstep-ˌla-dər 

: a ladder that has broad flat steps and two pairs of legs connected by a hinge at the top and that opens at the bottom to become freestanding

Examples of stepladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two dedicated employees roam public lands hauling buckets, stepladders, and telescopic tree pruners to collect seeds, some of which weigh less than a small feather. —Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025

The adjustable telescoping design allows this five-in-one Werner ladder to be used in five different positions: twin stepladder, stairway stepladder, extension ladder, wall ladder and two scaffold bases. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Around him, an army of electricians run BX and coaxial cable in open walls, contractors balance on stepladders, white couches are still wrapped in plastic, bathrooms are unfinished. —Abe Beame, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2024

The photographer, Daniel Benson, stood precariously on a stepladder, wobbling on the rocks amidst ocean spray. —Martha Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stepladder

• gallbladder
• adder
• bladder
• ladder
• madder
• sadder

Kids Definition

stepladder

noun

step·​lad·​der -ˌlad-ər 

: a short ladder that has broad flat steps and two pairs of legs connected by a hinge at the top and that opens at the bottom to become freestanding