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 ladders look a bit precarious, and student volunteers aren’t permitted to use them. —Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024

Racing game fans know that Gran Turismo is near the very top of the ladder in the genre, with the nearly 30-year-old series largely recognised as one of the most accurate driving experiences in video games. —Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

And pride, despite positioning toward the lower end of America’s socio-economic ladder. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Use paper treat cups and decorative stickers to create buckets for all 24 nights, then use twine or string to hang each one from the ladder's rungs. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024

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