a structure of wood, metal, or rope, commonly consisting of two sidepieces between which a series of bars or rungs are set at suitable distances, forming a means of climbing up or down.
something resembling this.
a means of rising, as to eminence: the ladder of success.
a graded series of stages or levels in status; a hierarchical order of position or rank: high on the political ladder.
companionway (def. 1).
a run in a stocking.
—v.t.
to climb or mount by means of a ladder: to ladder a wall.
to furnish with a ladder: to ladder a water tower.
to cause a run in (a stocking).
—v.i.
to get a run, as in a stocking.
to gain in popularity or importance: He laddered to the top of his profession.