1. a piece of equipment with steps or rungs used for climbing up or down
2. a series of levels or stages in a hierarchy or system of advancement
Usage: figurative
3. a run in a stocking or pantyhose
Usage: British

1. to develop a run in a stocking or pantyhose
Usage: British

Examples

• She climbed the ladder to reach the top shelf.
• The firefighter carried a ladder to rescue the cat from the tree.
• He worked his way up the corporate ladder over ten years.
• Starting as an intern was the first rung on her career ladder.
• Her tights laddered when she caught them on the chair.
• Be careful not to ladder your stockings on that rough surface.