Real Dictionary

ladder
countable noun: A ladder is a hole or torn part in a pair of stockings or tights, where some of the vertical threads have broken, leaving only the horizontal threads.
countable noun: A ladder is a piece of equipment used for climbing up something or down from something. It consists of two long pieces of wood, metal, or rope with steps fixed between them.
singular noun: You can use the ladder to refer to something such as a society, organization, or system which has different levels that people can progress up or drop down.

ladder in American English
a framework consisting of two parallel sidepieces connected by a series of rungs or crosspieces on which a person steps in climbing up or down
intransitive verb: to get a run, as in a stocking
noun: 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
transitive verb: to climb or mount by means of a ladder

ladder in British English
noun: a portable framework of wood, metal, rope, etc, in the form of two long parallel members connected by several parallel rungs or steps fixed to them at right angles, for climbing up or down

ladder in Finance
verb: If you ladder investments, you buy a series of them that mature in sequence.