rigging

noun

rig·​ging ˈri-giŋ 

-gən

1

a

: lines and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars

b

: a similar network (as in theater scenery) used for support and manipulation

2

: clothing

Synonyms

• clothing
• clothes
• attire
• dress
• garments
• apparel

Examples of rigging in a Sentence

They checked the rigging before they set sail.

even at the Ivies they dress in the standard rigging of the college student: T-shirt and jeans

Recent Examples on the Web

At the very least, there should have been transactional documents and other records from the entities that were involved in the bid-rigging that led to the judgment in the first place. —Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

Wire-rigging created a new set of challenges. —Oliver Sava, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2025

The unwanted items were removed by hand and by helicopter sling-load operations — in which a large, heavy object can be suspended from a helicopter using a cargo hook and rigging. —Colson Thayer, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Facing impeachment and a federal investigation into bid-rigging involving gifts and favors from state contractors, Rowland resigned July 1, 2004 at nearly the midpoint of his third term. —Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ragging, riggyng fitting out of a ship

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for rigging

• digging
• jigging

Kids Definition

rigging

noun

rig·​ging ˈrig-iŋ 

-ən

1

: the ropes and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars

2

: equipment for supporting and working something (as theater scenery)