stepladder

[ step-lad-er ]

noun

1. a ladder having flat steps or treads in place of rungs.
2. any ladder, especially a tall one with a hinged frame opening up to form four supporting legs.

stepladder

/ ˈstɛpˌlædə /

noun

1. a folding portable ladder that is made of broad flat steps fixed to a supporting frame hinged at the top to another supporting frame

Word History and Origins

Origin of stepladder¹

First recorded in 1745–55; step + ladder

Example Sentences

She was mounted upon a high stepladder, unhooking a picture from the wall when he entered.

From Project Gutenberg

Ostentatiously he borrowed a stepladder and stretched the cloth across the front of his store, from post to post.

From Project Gutenberg

"Get down here, I didn't bring a stepladder," is what she said and I tried to smile, but it's hard to smile when you're kissing.

From Project Gutenberg

Fortunately, however, the one nearest the house could be examined with the aid of a friendly stepladder.

From Project Gutenberg

She broke her leg—fell off the stepladder where she was three days ago.

From Project Gutenberg