step-ladder

A painter uses a step-ladder to reach the ceiling.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A portable ladder with flat steps and a hinged support: A "step-ladder" is a self-supporting ladder that has flat steps (instead of rungs) and a folding frame, allowing it to stand upright without needing to be leaned against a wall. It is typically used for reaching high places.

Usage Examples

• (He used a portable ladder with steps to reach the ceiling.)
• (The ladder's hinged design allowed it to be compacted for storage.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be on a step-ladder": to be standing on the steps of a step-ladder while working.

  • She stood on the step-ladder to paint the top of the wall. (She used the ladder's steps to gain height for painting.)

• "to set up a step-ladder": to unfold and position a step-ladder for use.

  • Before cleaning the gutters, he set up a step-ladder on the driveway. (He prepared the ladder by opening its frame.)

Variants and Related Words

• Stepladder (n): an alternative spelling (often written as one word).

  • The stepladder was lightweight and easy to carry. (The ladder was portable.)

• Step (n): a single flat surface on a ladder or staircase.

  • Be careful not to skip a step when climbing the ladder. (Each flat part of the ladder.)

Synonyms

• Ladder: a portable device with rungs or steps for climbing.
• Stool: a low, often small step-ladder (e.g., a kitchen stool).
• Platform ladder: a type of step-ladder with a larger top platform.

Phrasal Verbs

• Climb up a step-ladder: to ascend the steps of a step-ladder.

  • He climbed up the step-ladder to reach the top shelf. (He moved upward on the ladder.)

• Fold up a step-ladder: to collapse the ladder for storage.

  • After the job, she folded up the step-ladder and put it away. (She closed the hinged frame.)

Related Idioms

• Step up to the plate: to take responsibility or action (not directly related to step-ladder, but shares the word "step").
  • It's time to step up to the plate and fix the problem. (To take initiative.)

Note: There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use "step-ladder" as a core element. The word is primarily a concrete noun.