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.
The show, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, follows a working-class woman who dreams of moving up the corporate ladder. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Mar. 2025 As a result, getting on the property ladder has become a pipedream for many in Texas, while those who have a roof under their heads spend more than ever to keep things that way. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 People in different countries rank their happiness by imagining a ladder with 10 steps. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 20 Mar. 2025 Researchers point to rising social isolation, political polarization, and a growing sense of disconnection as key reasons behind America’s fall down the happiness ladder. David Nikel, Forbes, 20 Mar. 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 2 Apr. 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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