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

"I thought I could have a piece of the Moon, somehow, touching someone's foot, somehow connected with my stepladder, somehow in my living room," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

A small stepladder with three steps bisects the bunks.

From Washington Post • Apr. 12, 2023

The rented rig had no counterweight, so when they wanted to lift Tannahill, who originated the role of the actor playing Peter Pan, a crew member had to jump off a stepladder.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 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

I padded to the kitchen barefoot and got the stepladder off the back porch.

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English