stepladder

American  

[step-lad-er] / ˈstɛpˌlæd ər /

noun

1. a ladder having flat steps or treads in place of rungs.

2. any ladder, especially a tall one with a hinged frame opening up to form four supporting legs.

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stepladder British  

/ ˈstɛpˌlædə /

noun

1. a folding portable ladder that is made of broad flat steps fixed to a supporting frame hinged at the top to another supporting frame

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Etymology

Origin of stepladder

First recorded in 1745–55; step + ladder

Example Sentences

A small stepladder with three steps bisects the bunks.

From Washington Post • Apr. 12, 2023

On a recent Sunday, in a makeshift structure used as a halfway house for adolescent bats, he climbed a stepladder to fill a water bucket hanging on the wall for the bats.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2023

One wonders how many of the complainers who aren't pregnant get dizzy on the top rung of a kitchen stepladder.

From Salon • Feb. 17, 2023

They sprung into action and found it on a stepladder where I had apparently set it while looking at Halloween cards for my grandchildren.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 26, 2022

And how could one do that without a stepladder?

From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson