Ladder
WordNet
noun
(1) Steps consisting of two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down
(2) A row of unravelled stitches
"She got a run in her stocking"
(3) Ascending stages by which somebody or something can progress
"He climbed the career ladder"
verb
(4) Come unraveled or undone as if by snagging
"Her nylons were running"
WiktionaryText
English
Etymology
, from , from }, from . Cognate with Dutch , German ; compare Ancient Greek .
Noun
- A frame usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened cross strips or rounds forming steps.
- That which resembles a ladder in form or use; hence, that by means of which one attains to eminence, e.g. the corporate ladder.
- length of unravelled fabric in a knitted garment, especially in nylon stockings
Usage notes
For stockings touted as resistant to ladders, the phrase “ladder resist” is used. The American equivalent is “run resistant”.
Verb
- To ascend a building or wall using a ladder.
- To develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread
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