ladder Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Lad"der noun
Etymology
OE. laddre, AS. hlder, hldder; akin to OFries. hladder, OHG.leitara, G. leiter, and from the root of E. lean, v. (). See Lean, v. i., and cf. Climax.
Definitions
  1. 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.
    Some the engines play, And some, more bold, mount ladders to the fire. Dryden.
  2. That which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that by means of which one attains to eminence.
    Lowliness is young ambition's ladder. Shak.

Webster 1913