Jacob's ladder

noun

Ja·​cob's ladder ˈjā-kəbz- How to pronounce Jacob's ladder (audio)
1
: any of a genus (Polemonium) of herbs of the phlox family that have pinnate leaves, a bell-shaped corolla, and a several-seeded capsule
especially : a perennial herb (P. caeruleum) with bright blue or occasionally white flowers
2
: a marine ladder of rope or chain with wooden or iron rungs

Word History

Etymology

from the ladder seen in a dream by Jacob in Genesis 28:12

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Jacob's ladder was in 1733

Dictionary Entries Near Jacob's ladder

Cite this Entry

“Jacob's ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Jacob%27s%20ladder. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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