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

• graduation
• hierarchy
• ordering
• 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

The second bedroom, meanwhile, is accessed by removable ladder and would also be a good fit as a storage space. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2025

Some police officers used ladders to climb over rows of buses blocking the compound’s entrance, and then the investigators began moving up the hilly compound. —Kim Tong-Hyung, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025

She’s written about the ... Careers Climb the corporate ladder with Forbes’ expert career advice. —Maria Gracia Santillana Linares, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Andrew set the ladder back up, got the motor running and towed the fire hose back up onto the roof of the house. —Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

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

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