ripple

¹rip·ple

verb \ˈri-pəl\

rip·pledrip·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of RIPPLE

intransitive verb

1

a : to become lightly ruffled or covered with small waves

b : to flow in small waves

c : to fall in soft undulating folds <the scarf rippled to the floor>

2

: to flow with a light rise and fall of sound or inflection <laughter rippled over the audience>

3

: to move with an undulating motion or so as to cause ripples <the canoe rippled through the water>

4

: to have or produce a ripple effect : spread <the news rippled outwards>

transitive verb

1

: to stir up small waves on

2

: to impart a wavy motion or appearance to <rippling his arm muscles>

3

: to utter or play with a slight rise and fall of sound

— rip·pler \-p(ə-)lər\ noun

Examples of RIPPLE

1. Water rippled under the dock.
2. We could see the lion's muscles ripple.
3. A cool breeze rippled the water.

Origin of RIPPLE

perhaps frequentative of ¹rip

First Known Use: circa 1671

Related to RIPPLE

Synonyms

bubble, dribble, guggle, lap, plash, gurgle, splash, trickle, wash

Antonyms

pour, roll, stream

Related Words

eddy, purl, swirl; swash, swish, swoosh, whish; drip, drop; gush, jet, rush, spew, spout, spurt, squirt

Near Antonyms

run

Rhymes with RIPPLE

cripple, nipple, stipple, tipple, triple, Whipple

²ripple

noun

Definition of RIPPLE

1

a : a shallow stretch of rough water in a stream

b (1) : the ruffling of the surface of water (2) : a small wave

2

a : ripple mark

b : a sound like that of rippling water <a ripple of laughter>

c : a usually slight noticeable effect or reaction

— rip·ply \ˈri-p(ə-)lē\ adjective

Examples of RIPPLE

1. The pebble made ripples in the pond when I threw it in.

First Known Use of RIPPLE

1755

Rhymes with RIPPLE

cripple, stipple, tipple, triple