[lad-er] 
| 1. | 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. |
| 2. | something resembling this. |
| 3. | a means of rising, as to eminence: the ladder of success. |
| 4. | a graded series of stages or levels in status; a hierarchical order of position or rank: high on the political ladder. |
| 5. | Nautical. companionway (def. 1). |
| 6. | Chiefly British. a run in a stocking. |
| 7. | to climb or mount by means of a ladder: to ladder a wall. |
| 8. | to furnish with a ladder: to ladder a water tower. |
| 9. | Chiefly British. to cause a run in (a stocking). |
| 10. | Chiefly British. to get a run, as in a stocking. |
| 11. | to gain in popularity or importance: He laddered to the top of his profession. |
