ladder

ladder definition

lad·der (lad′ər)

noun

1. a framework consisting of two parallel sidepieces connected by a series of rungs or crosspieces on which a person steps in climbing up or down
2. Naut. any staircase or vertical set of steps
anything by means of which a person climbs or rises
a rising series of steps, stages, or levels the ladder of success
Chiefly Brit. a run as in a stocking

Etymology: ME < OE hlæder, akin to Ger leiter < IE base *lei-, to incline, lean

transitive verb, intransitive verb

Chiefly Brit. to have or cause to have a ladder, or run

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.