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

We use a stepladder from the receiving room to bring down some gems.

From Seattle Times

She added there needed to be an increased recognition and rigour within the industry to address the risks associated with stepladders.

From BBC

A small stepladder with three steps bisects the bunks.

From Washington Post

On a recent Sunday, in a makeshift structure used as a halfway house for adolescent bats, he climbed a stepladder to fill a water bucket hanging on the wall for the bats.

From New York Times

One wonders how many of the complainers who aren't pregnant get dizzy on the top rung of a kitchen stepladder.

From Salon