This is the 3450th most frequent Turkish word.
merdiven
"Merdiven" means "stair" or "ladder" in English.
Here, 'merdiven' is used to mean 'stairs,' referring to a physical set of steps.
Bahçedeki merdivenden yukarı çıktık.
We went up the stairs in the garden.
In this context, 'merdiven' again means 'stairs,' but the sentence questions their condition.
Merdiven neden ıslak, biri mi temizledi?
Why are the stairs wet; did someone clean them?
Here, 'merdiven' is used to mean 'ladder,' referring to a portable climbing tool.