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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Use a stepladder to reach items. — Michelle Mastro, Architectural Digest, 23 Oct. 2025 McEntire uses a stepladder to place an angel on the top of her tree. — Caché McClay, Nashville Tennessean, 1 Dec. 2025 The lucky ones have shutters or awnings, but others must climb stepladders to hang sheets or tablecloths from windows. — Henry Grabar, The Atlantic, 27 June 2026 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 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

Rhymes for stepladder

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Browse Nearby Words

step joint
stepladder
stepless
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stepladder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stepladder. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on stepladder

Nglish: Translation of stepladder for Spanish Speakers

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