Dictionary

ladder

Pronunciation

Noun

ladder (plural ladders)

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 step#Noun|steps).
(figuratively) A series of stage#Noun|stages by which one progress#Verb|progresses to a better position.
(figuratively) The hierarchy or ranking system within an organization, such as the corporate ladder.
(chiefly, Britain) A length of unravelled fabric in a knitted garment, especially in nylon stockings; a run.
In the game of go, a sequence of move#Noun|moves following a zigzag pattern and ultimately leading to the capture of the attacked stones.

Synonyms

Translations

Translations

Translations

Verb

ladder (ladders, present participle laddering; past and past participle laddered)

To arrange or form into a shape of a ladder.
(chiefly, firefighting) To ascend (a building, a wall, etc.) using a ladder.
Of a knitted garment: to develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread.
Oh damn it, I've laddered my tights!
- 1993, Sebastian Faulks, Birdsong, London: Hutchinson, ISBN 978-0-09-177373-1; republished as Birdsong: A Novel of Love and War, New York, N.Y.: Vintage Books, June 1997, ISBN 978-0-679-77681-9, page 254:
  He slid his hand up her skirt and murmured in her ear. / "Robert, I've just got dressed. Stop it." […] / He laddered her stocking and smudged her lipstick, but she had time to repair the damage before they went out.

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