ladder

American  

[lad-er] / ˈlæd ər /

noun

1. a structure of wood, metal, or rope, commonly consisting of two sidepieces between which a series of bars or rungs are set at suitable distances, forming a means of climbing up or down.

2. something resembling this.

3. a means of rising, as to eminence.

   the ladder of success.

4. a graded series of stages or levels in status; a hierarchical order of position or rank.

   high on the political ladder.

5. 1. ladder company.

   2. ladder truck.

6. Nautical. companionway.

7. Chiefly British. a run in a stocking.

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verb (used with object)

1. to climb or mount by means of a ladder.

   to ladder a wall.

2. to furnish with a ladder.

   to ladder a water tower.

3. Chiefly British. to cause a run in (a stocking).

verb (used without object)

1. Chiefly British. to get a run, as in a stocking.

2. to gain in popularity or importance.

   He laddered to the top of his profession.

ladder British  

/ ˈlædə /

noun

1. a portable framework of wood, metal, rope, etc, in the form of two long parallel members connected by several parallel rungs or steps fixed to them at right angles, for climbing up or down

2. any hierarchy conceived of as having a series of ascending stages, levels, etc

   the social ladder

3. 1. anything resembling a ladder

   2. ( as modifier )

      ladder stitch

4. Also called: run.  a line of connected stitches that have come undone in knitted material, esp stockings

5. See ladder tournament

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verb

1. to cause a line of interconnected stitches in (stockings, etc) to undo, as by snagging, or (of a stocking) to come undone in this way

ladder Idioms  

1. see bottom of the ladder.

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Other Word Forms

• ladderless adjective
• ladderlike adjective
• laddery adjective

Etymology

Origin of ladder

First recorded before 1000; Middle English ladder(e), Old English hlǣd(d)er; cognate with German Leiter, Dutch leer (also ladder, from Frisian); akin to Gothic hleithra “tent, hut”; originally, “something that slopes or leans”; lean ¹

Example Sentences

An engine crew threw a 20-foot ladder to get over the wall.

From Los Angeles Times

As she climbs back down the ladder, the fear wiggles back.

From Literature

You got on the property ladder at a bargain basement price, and doubled down on that cost effectiveness by building a house.

From MarketWatch

When I’m ready to freshen up my fridge, I tend to work up a loose step ladder depending on my energy and the kind of week I’m having.

From Salon

A multitude of factors are putting pressure on homeowners, many of whom — probably like your friend — are eager to get their foot on the property ladder.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• extent
• proportion
• range
• rate
• ratio
• scope
• system