ladder

noun
UK: /ˈlædər/
US: /ˈlædər/

  1. A piece of equipment consisting of a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of wood, metal, or rope, used for climbing up or down.

    1. I used a ladder to climb onto the roof for cleaning. [ ] [ ]
    2. The firefighters used a ladder to rescue the family from the burning building. [ ] [ ]

  2. A way of progressing to better job or status. Usually refers to career.

    1. She is on the first ladder of her career. [ ] [ ]
    2. He quickly climbed the corporate ladder and became CEO in just a few years. [ ] [ ]

  3. A vertical tear in tights or stockings.

    1. Oh no, I've got a ladder in my stocking! [ ] [ ]
    2. She tried to hide the ladder in her tights with a carefully positioned skirt. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

hierarchy tear
ladder intransitive-verb

  1. To develop ladders (rips) in stockings or tights.

    1. My tights laddered as I rushed to work. [ ] [ ]
    2. These cheap stockings always ladder after only a couple of wears. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "ladder" in English means: A piece of equipment consisting of a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of wood, metal, or rope, used for climbing up or down., A way of progressing to better job or status. Usually refers to career., A vertical tear in tights or stockings..

The phonetic transcription of "ladder" is /ˈlædər/ in British English and /ˈlædər/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "ladder": hierarchy, tear.

Example usage of "ladder": "I used a ladder to climb onto the roof for cleaning.". More examples on the page.