Definition

Noun: A monkey ladder is a lightweight, portable ladder, typically made of rope or light wood with rungs, used specifically to provide access to the monkey bridge on a ship.

Usage

The term is used exclusively in a nautical or maritime context to describe a specific piece of ship equipment. It is a compound noun where "monkey" refers to the "monkey bridge" (a small, high platform on a ship) and "ladder" describes the access tool.

Examples

• The sailor quickly climbed the monkey ladder to reach the lookout post on the monkey bridge.
• During the storm, the monkey ladder was secured to prevent it from swinging.
• New crew members were instructed on how to safely use the monkey ladder.

Advanced Usage

• The term is highly specific and is not used in general or metaphorical contexts outside of its nautical meaning.

Variants and Related Words

• Monkey bridge (n): The small, elevated platform on a ship which the monkey ladder accesses.
• Jacob's ladder (n): A similar nautical ladder made of rope or chain with wooden or metal rungs, often used over the side of a ship. This is a related but distinct piece of equipment.

Synonyms

• Access ladder (general term)
• Ship's ladder (general term)

Notes on Meaning

This is a fixed compound noun with a single, specialized meaning. It does not have different meanings or interpretations. The "monkey" component does not refer to the animal but is part of the technical name for the bridge and its associated ladder.

Noun

1. a light ladder to the monkey bridge on a ship