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

So during his rehab, Verlander instinctively came to understand the effort level required to throw 83, 83.5, 84, right up the ladder. —Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

The one who is actually Dorothy (Audrey Corsa) is a secretary at a wine and spirits firm working her way up the corporate ladder with the help of her décolletage. —Jesse Green, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025

Youngest Sheriff in Davidson County history During Einstein's prison time, Daron Hall was rising up the corrections ladder. —Keith Sharon, USA TODAY, 20 Feb. 2025

The Boston Red Sox recently made the massive signing of superstar free agent Alex Bregman, pushing themselves up the ladder of the American League. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 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

Rhymes for ladder

• adder
• bladder
• madder
• sadder
• gallbladder
• stepladder

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