Definitions for ladderˈlæd ər

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

lad•derˈlæd ər(n.)

a structure of wood, metal, or rope commonly consisting of two sidepieces between which a series of rungs are set at suitable distances to provide a means of climbing up or down.
a means of rising, as to eminence:
the ladder of success.
a graded series of stages or levels in status:
high on the political ladder.
Chiefly Brit. a run in a stocking.
Category: British

Origin of ladder:

bef. 1000; ME laddre, OE hlǣder, c. MD lēdere, OHG leitara; akin to Go hleithra tent, and to lid , lean1

Princeton's WordNet

ladder(noun)
steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
ladder(noun)
ascending stages by which somebody or something can progress
"he climbed the career ladder"
run, ladder, ravel(verb)
a row of unravelled stitches
"she got a run in her stocking"
ladder, run(verb)
come unraveled or undone as if by snagging
"Her nylons were running"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

ladder(noun)ˈlæd ər
a piece of equipment for climbing to reach high up
to climb a ladder
ladderˈlæd ər
a ranking system in the workplace
to climb the career ladder

Wiktionary

ladder(Noun)
A frame usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened cross strips or rounds forming steps.
ladder(Noun)
That which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that by means of which one attains to eminence, e.g. the corporate ladder.
ladder(Noun)
length of unravelled fabric in a knitted garment, especially in nylon stockings
ladder(Noun)
In the game of go, a sequence of moves following a zigzag pattern and ultimately leading to the capture of the attacked stones.
ladder(Verb)
To ascend a building or wall using a ladder.
ladder(Verb)
To develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread

Origin: hlæder, from hlaidriz (compare West Frisian ljedder, Dutch leer, German Leiter), from ḱleytro (compare Old Irish clithar 'hedge', Umbrian 'stretcher'), from ḱley-. More at lean, related to lid.

Webster Dictionary

Ladder(verb)
a frame usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened cross strips or rounds forming steps
Ladder(verb)
that which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that by means of which one attains to eminence