stepladder

[step-lad-er]

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.

stepladder

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stepladder¹

First recorded in 1745–55; step + ladder

Example Sentences

“Why, I saw her just this morning acting as a stepladder for the little ones to get to the high branch of the elm!”

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I climbed on the stepladder and took the saw off the wall.

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For days afterward, Medina sifted through the burned-out garage for his angle saws and stepladders, but they had all been destroyed.

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We use a stepladder from the receiving room to bring down some gems.

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She added there needed to be an increased recognition and rigour within the industry to address the risks associated with stepladders.

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