rope ladder
Definition
Noun: A portable ladder consisting of two long ropes connected at regular intervals by short crosspieces (rungs), used for climbing, especially in situations where a rigid ladder is impractical.
Usage
A rope ladder is used for temporary or emergency access, often in nautical, rescue, or recreational contexts. It is characterized by its flexibility and ability to be rolled up for storage. - The sailors used a rope ladder to climb back onto the ship from the lifeboat. - A rope ladder hung from the treehouse for the children to use.
Advanced Usage
- Technical/Professional Context: In firefighting or tactical operations, a rope ladder may be referred to as a "Jacob's ladder" when used on a ship or for emergency egress.
- The rescue team deployed a rope ladder to evacuate people from the upper floor.
Variants and Related Words
- Jacob's ladder: A specific type of rope ladder used on the side of a ship.
- Flexible ladder: A more general term that can include rope ladders or ladders made of other flexible materials.
Synonyms
- Cord ladder
- Rope and rung ladder
Related Phrases
- To climb a rope ladder: The standard phrase for the action of using it.
- Learning to climb a rope ladder requires good balance.
- To deploy/unroll a rope ladder: Phrases describing the action of putting it into use.
- They quickly unrolled the rope ladder over the wall.
Noun
-
a ladder with side pieces of rope
