noun
rung
RUNG/rʌŋ/
A horizontal step connecting a ladder's sides.
The horizontal rung connects the ladder's two side rails.
Etymology
Old English hrung named a rod or cross-bar generally, not just part of a ladder. The English meaning narrowed to the cross-bar that serves as a ladder step.
In context
We can think of it like a ladder, where each rung is a whole number, and you can't stand in between the rungs.
More examples
- Check the ladder for loose rungs before climbing.
- The broken rung makes the ladder unsafe.
- This promotion puts her one rung higher on the career ladder.
Forms
rung · rungs
Similar words
- step
- A broader term for a surface supporting the foot.
- crossbar
- A horizontal connecting bar, not necessarily used for climbing.