stepladder

noun

step·​lad·​der ˈstep-ˌla-dər How to pronounce stepladder (audio)
: a ladder that has broad flat steps and two pairs of legs connected by a hinge at the top and that opens at the bottom to become freestanding

Examples of stepladder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Two dedicated employees roam public lands hauling buckets, stepladders, and telescopic tree pruners to collect seeds, some of which weigh less than a small feather. Laura Mallonee, Wired News, 12 Apr. 2025 The adjustable telescoping design allows this five-in-one Werner ladder to be used in five different positions: twin stepladder, stairway stepladder, extension ladder, wall ladder and two scaffold bases. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025 Around him, an army of electricians run BX and coaxial cable in open walls, contractors balance on stepladders, white couches are still wrapped in plastic, bathrooms are unfinished. Abe Beame, Rolling Stone, 7 Apr. 2024 The photographer, Daniel Benson, stood precariously on a stepladder, wobbling on the rocks amidst ocean spray. Martha Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2024 See All Example Sentences for stepladder

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stepladder was in 1751

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Cite this Entry

“Stepladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepladder. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

stepladder

noun
step·​lad·​der -ˌlad-ər How to pronounce stepladder (audio)
: a short ladder that has broad flat steps and two pairs of legs connected by a hinge at the top and that opens at the bottom to become freestanding

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