n.
Pronunciation: ' la-d ə r
Function: noun
Usage: often attrib
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hl ǣ der; akin to Old High German leitara ladder, Old English hlinian to lean ― more at LEAN
Date: before 12th century
1 : a structure for climbing up or down that consists essentially of two long sidepieces joined at intervals by crosspieces on which one may step
2 : something that resembles or suggests a ladder in form or use especially : RUN 11A
3 : a series of usually ascending steps or stages : SCALE <climbing up the corporate ladder >
– lad · der · like \ - ˌ l ī k \ adjective