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aerial ladder

American  

noun

  1. an extensible ladder used for reaching heights, especially from a hook-and-ladder truck.


aerial ladder British  

noun

  1. Also called: turntable ladder.  a power-operated extending ladder mounted on a fire engine

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A swift-water rescue team deployed a helicopter, lowered inflated firehoses and positioned an aerial ladder to allow responders to secure the man and bring him to safety before transporting him to a hospital for evaluation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 4, 2026

Atop the aerial ladder of a bright red fire engine, a firefighter wrangles a hose.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2025

The developers have also agreed to provide funding for an aerial ladder truck for the Yucaipa Fire Department, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 14, 2024

A fire service spokesperson said an aerial ladder platform had been deployed at the scene to deal with the "significant fire".

From BBC • Sep. 7, 2024

It took crews, including 10 appliances and two aerial ladder platforms, several hours to finally bring the fire under control.

From BBC • Jun. 9, 2023

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