ladder

noun

lad·​der ˈla-dər How to pronounce ladder (audio)
Synonyms of laddernext
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
ˈla-dər-ˌlīk How to pronounce ladder (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of ladder

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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.
Smart shades can keep someone from climbing a step ladder to close a higher window. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Use a ladder if needed to reach shutters that are too high to reach from the ground. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026 While the video showcases the robot’s apparent ladder-climbing capability, Figure has not disclosed technical details about the underlying system, and the demonstration has not been independently verified. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 Green outlasted Lash Legend, Jade Cargill, Charlotte Flair, Tiffany Stratton and a beatdown from Michin and B-Fab to climb the ladder and capture the Interim WWE Women’s Championship. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing ladder

Rhymes for ladder

See All Rhymes for ladder

Browse Nearby Words

ladanum
ladder
ladder-back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ladder. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of ladder for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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