# ladders

/ˈɫædɝz/ (US) · /lˈædəz/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ladders
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

pieces of equipment used for climbing up or down. They usually have two long side pieces with several steps, called rungs, fixed between them.

For teachers: structures consisting of two long sidepieces joined at intervals by rungs, used for ascending or descending. Often used in the plural to refer to the equipment generally or to multiple units.

## Examples

- The painters used tall ladders to reach the ceiling.
- Firefighters quickly set up their ladders against the side of the burning building to reach the trapped residents.
- Safety regulations require that all industrial ladders be inspected for structural integrity and slip-resistant footing before being deployed on a construction site.

## Usage notes

- The plural form 'ladders' is used for multiple pieces of equipment or metaphorically in 'snakes and ladders'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.