laden
Americanadjective
verb (used with object)
verb
adjective
-
weighed down with a load; loaded
-
encumbered; burdened
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of laden
Explanation
Something that is laden is weighted down by something heavy, like an apple tree that's laden with fruit. Laden comes from the Old English word hladan, meaning "to load, heap." Think of the related word ladle, a big scoop you dip into something, such as soup or hot fudge. Laden can be a verb that describes using a ladle or otherwise filling or loading something up, like a teacher who ladens students with homework. Laden can be an adjective that describes the feeling of burden or stress from all that work.
Vocabulary lists containing laden
"The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe
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"Of Mice and Men"
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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.
The internet is laden with Reddit arguments and academic examinations questioning Steinbeck’s portrait of her beastliness.
From Salon ● Oct. 3, 2026
But continued dry weather this week pushed water levels at Kaub on the Rhine -- a reference point for vessels -- even further downwards and made the area unpassable for laden cargo vessels.
From Barron's ● Sep. 29, 2026
It is topped with symbols of the Holy Trinity and laden with doves representing mankind.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 14, 2026
A few miles outside Guerneville at Steelhead Beach, several men stepped into the water, laden with flotation devices.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2026
Mrs. Raleigh called after her, her arms laden with outfits—all mod, I was certain.
From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia
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Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
