Ladder definition

lădər
ladders
See word origin
Frequency:
To run, as a stocking does.
verb
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(chiefly brit.) To have or cause to have a ladder, or run.
verb
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The definition of a ladder is something made of two parallel side pieces with evenly spaced cross bars used for climbing, or a rising increase in levels.

An example of a ladder is what someone would use to climb to the ground from a fire escape on the second floor.

An example of a ladder is a person starting in an entry level position and climbing their way up to an executive position.

noun
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A fish ladder.
noun
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An often portable structure consisting of two long sides crossed by parallel rungs, used to climb up and down.
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Something that resembles this device, especially a run in a stocking.
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A means of moving higher or lower, as in a hierarchy.

Used his accomplishments as a ladder to success.

noun
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A series of ranked stages or levels.

High on the executive ladder.

noun
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An athletic workout in which one does progressively longer intervals followed by progressively shorter intervals.
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A rising series of steps, stages, or levels.

The ladder of success.

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One of the intervals in such a workout.
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(chiefly brit.) A run as in a stocking.
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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.
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(naut.) Any staircase or vertical set of steps.
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A frame, usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, used for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened rungs: cross strips or rounds acting as steps.
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(figuratively) The hierarchy or ranking system within an organization, e.g. the corporate ladder.
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(chiefly UK) A length of unravelled fabric in a knitted garment, especially in nylon stockings; a run.
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In the game of go, a sequence of moves following a zigzag pattern and ultimately leading to the capture of the attacked stones.
noun
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(firefighting) To ascend a building or wall using a ladder.
verb
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(of a knitted garment) To develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread.
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Anything by means of which a person climbs or rises.
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
ladder
Plural:
ladders

Origin of ladder

  • Middle English from Old English hlǣder klei- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Old English hlǣder, from Proto-Germanic *hlaidriz (compare West Frisian ljedder, Dutch leer, German Leiter), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱleytro (compare Old Irish clithar 'hedge', Umbrian [script?] (kletram) 'stretcher'), from Proto-Indo-European *ḱley- (“to lean”). More at lean, related to lid.

    From Wiktionary

Ladder Sentence Examples

  • Some people get to the top of the ladder, only to find that it's leaning against the wrong wall?

  • I'd better get a screwdriver and tighten that ladder before you fall and break your neck.

  • Using it as a ladder, she climbed on the counter, stretching from her knees to reach the top shelf.

  • A ladder lowered, and Brady vaulted onto it, followed by Dan.

  • No more juggling an awkward wooden level at the top of the ladder.

More sentences

Related articles

Also Mentioned In

Words near ladder in the Dictionary