ladder

noun

lad·​der ˈla-dər How to pronounce ladder (audio)
often attributive
1
: a structure for climbing up or down that consists essentially of two long sidepieces joined at intervals by crosspieces on which one may step
2
: something that resembles or suggests a ladder in form or use
especially : run sense 11a
3
: a series of usually ascending steps or stages : scale
climbing up the corporate ladder
ladderlike adjective

Examples of ladder in a Sentence

He was moving up the corporate ladder. She worked her way up from the lowest rung on the economic ladder. She got a ladder in her stocking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Everyone is operating from their own ladder, which explains how various individuals may view the same data and yet come to starkly different conclusions. Shani Harmon, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024 After a few minutes, the child is located and carried down the ladder. Alexis Simmerman, Austin American-Statesman, 11 Nov. 2024 People who climbed the academic ladder were feted with accolades, while those who didn’t were rendered invisible. David Brooks, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 At a time when home prices have climbed back to their pandemic levels and housing costs like insurance and property taxes are creeping upward, many Americans are struggling to get on the property ladder. Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ladder 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hlǣder; akin to Old High German leitara ladder, Old English hlinian to lean — more at lean

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ladder was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near ladder

Cite this Entry

“Ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladder. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ladder

noun
lad·​der ˈlad-ər How to pronounce ladder (audio)
1
: a structure for climbing that consists of two long pieces (as of wood, rope, or metal) joined at short distances by crosspieces on which one may step
2
: something that suggests a ladder in form or use
3
: a series of steps or stages : scale
the corporate ladder

More from Merriam-Webster on ladder

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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