ladder

noun

lad·​der ˈla-dər How to pronounce ladder (audio)
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 adjective

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
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.
At the end of the evening, guests can clamber up the ladder to the lofted sleeping area for a tranquil night of sleep, listening to the waves ebb and flow. Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025 Those properties act as a ladder fuel, spreading flames from the forest floor to the canopy, where trees otherwise resistant to low-intensity fires can catch fire. Jimmy Lovrien, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025 One probationary firefighter grabbed a ladder from an engine and worked with his crew members to extricate the father and child, who was about 2-years-old, out of a top floor unit window along the side of the building, officials said. Harry Harris, Mercury News, 23 May 2025 The New York Daily News and the New York Post shared video footage from the scene that shows the man trying to evacuate from his apartment on the building's third floor through an FDNY ladder. David Chiu, People.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for ladder

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ladder was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladder. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

ladder

noun
lad·​der ˈlad-ər How to pronounce ladder (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ladder

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