rappel

verb

rap·​pel rə-ˈpel 

ra-

rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling

intransitive verb

: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope passed under one thigh, across the body, and over the opposite shoulder or through a special friction device

rappel noun

Examples of rappel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rescue teams used a rope system to rappel into the mine shaft to retrieve Hailey, who was uninjured. —Helena Wegner july 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2025

Julie’s been willing to rappel into that abyss year after year because waiting for her at the bottom of that pit is a treasure trove of bones. —Ari Daniel, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2025

The two men put a call out for auditions, eventually shooting a promo video on the beach that is hilariously interrupted by police who rappel down on ropes, Oosterveen trying to hold them off while Crane tries to finish his pitch. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2025

There is also rappelling, fitness sessions, climbing classes and kids camps. —Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 25 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, recall, from Old French rapel, from rapeler to recall, from re- + apeler to appeal, call — more at appeal

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for rappel

• appal
• apple
• chapel
• dapple
• grapple
• pineapple

Kids Definition

rappel

verb

rap·​pel rə-ˈpel 

ra-

rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling

: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope