rung
UK[rʌŋ]US[rʌŋ]
n
A horizontal bar forming a step of a ladder.
n
A level or degree in a hierarchy, scale, or process.
Etymology
The word 'rung' originates from the Old English 'hrung', meaning a staff, rod, or crossbar, which is related to the Dutch 'rong' and German 'Runge'. It is cognate with the word 'ring', both tracing back to a Proto-Germanic root conveying the sense of something circular or curved. Over time, its meaning specialized from a simple rod to specifically denote the crosspiece forming a step in a ladder. This semantic shift from a general rounded bar to a specific functional step illustrates how everyday objects shape specialized vocabulary, with the term later being metaphorically extended to describe levels within any hierarchical structure.
Analysis
This is a simplex word. It is the past participle of the Middle English verb 'ringen' (to ring), which evolved from Old English 'hrīngan'. Its use for a ladder step derives from the concept of a circular step or a stout rounded stick, related to the sense of a ring or circle.
Examples
He climbed carefully, ensuring his foot was firmly on each rung.
She had reached a high rung on the corporate ladder.
The bottom rung of the old wooden ladder was cracked and unsafe.