Ladder

Definition

A piece of equipment used for climbing up or down, consisting of two vertical bars or pieces of material joined by horizontal steps.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlædər/
• Respelling: LAD-er (with "LAD" as in "bad" and "er" as in "her")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈlædə/
• Respelling: LAD-uh (with "LAD" as in "bad" and "uh" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "ladder" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "LAD." The American pronunciation includes a pronounced "er" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "uh" sound.

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Etymology

Derived from the Old English word "hlæder" which means "a means of ascending." It's related to the Old Norse word "hlǣða" meaning "to load."

Derivatives

• Laddering
• Ladder-like
• Laddered
• Stepladder
• Ladder-back

Synonyms

• Steps
• Staircase (portable type)
• Stepladder

Antonyms

• None

Usage

Ladders are used in various contexts, from household tasks like changing a light bulb to industrial and construction applications requiring workers to reach elevated areas.

Related Terms

• Rung
• Climb
• Ascend
• Scaffold
• Elevation

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Ladder (Noun): A structure consisting of a series of bars or steps between two upright lengths of wood, metal, or rope, used for climbing up or down.
  • Example: "He used a ladder to reach the top shelf."

• Ladder (Noun): A means of rising or descending in a hierarchical structure.
  • Example: "She quickly moved up the corporate ladder."

• Ladder (Noun): A long vertical tear or run in a stocking or tights.
  • Example: "She noticed a ladder in her tights and changed them before leaving."