Main Entry: ¹rip·ple

Pronunciation: \ˈri-pəl\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): rip·pled; rip·pling \-p(ə-)liŋ\

Etymology: perhaps frequentative of ¹rip

Date: circa 1671

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