ladder
noun
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.
laddered
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past participleof ladder.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof ladder.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
laddernouna 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.
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.
BDC managers tell Barron’s that public debt is just one part of their financing structure and that their debt is laddered with staggered maturities.
From Barron's ● Apr. 4, 2026
Allocating some money away from the stock market would make for more diversification — a set of bond funds or a laddered bond portfolio of bonds, for example.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 25, 2025
A dramatic musical score—like something out of a Marvel movie—plays loudly over clips of officers entering the windows of the garrisoned building, climbing on their laddered megatruck, and breaking the locks to the doors.
From Slate ● May 4, 2024
Mr. Johnson’s plan uses a two-step laddered continuing resolution to fund different portions of the government until Jan. 19 and Feb. 2.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 14, 2023
His hand on the thin and laddered ribs.
From "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy
