Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fire engine equipped with an extendable ladder: A specialized vehicle used by fire departments that carries and deploys a large, mechanically operated ladder for reaching high places during rescue and firefighting operations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The fire station purchased a new aerial ladder truck to better serve the downtown high-rises.
  • Firefighters quickly extended the ladder from the aerial ladder truck to reach the trapped occupants on the third floor.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in official municipal and fire service contexts to specify a type of apparatus within a fleet.
  • The department's specifications called for an aerial ladder truck with a 100-foot reach.

Variants and Related Words

• Aerial truck: A common shortened variant.
• Ladder truck: A more general term that may not specify the mechanical, "aerial" nature of the ladder.
• Fire truck: A broad, general term for any firefighting vehicle.

Synonyms

• Fire ladder truck
• Aerial apparatus

Related Phrases

• To operate the aerial ladder: The action of controlling and positioning the ladder.
  • Only trained personnel are allowed to operate the aerial ladder.

Notes

• This is a compound noun. The key components are "aerial ladder" (the mechanized, extendable ladder) and "truck" (the vehicle). It refers specifically to the complete vehicle unit.

Noun

1. a fire engine carrying ladders