First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
ladder
noun, lad·der often attributive \ˈla-dər\
: a device used for climbing that has two long pieces of wood, metal, or rope with a series of steps or rungs between them
: a series of steps or stages by which someone moves up to a higher or better position
: a long hole in a stocking
Full Definition of LADDER
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 11a
3
: a series of usually ascending steps or stages : scale <climbing up the corporate ladder>
— lad·der·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective
See ladder defined for English-language learners
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Origin of LADDER
Middle English, from Old English hlǣder; akin to Old High German leitara ladder, Old English hlinian to lean — more at lean
Related to LADDER
- Synonyms
- graduation, hierarchy, 3scale, ordering, ranking
LADDER Defined for Kids
ladder
noun lad·der \ˈla-dər\
Definition of LADDER for Kids
: a device used for climbing usually consisting of two long pieces of wood, rope, or metal joined at short distances by horizontal pieces on which a person may step
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