riprap

1 of 2

noun

rip·​rap ˈrip-ˌrap 

1

: a foundation or sustaining wall of stones or chunks of concrete thrown together without order (as in deep water)

also : a layer of this or similar material on an embankment slope to prevent erosion

2

: material used for riprap

riprap

2 of 2

verb

riprapped; riprapping; ripraps

transitive verb

1

: to form a riprap in or upon

2

: to strengthen or support with a riprap

Examples of riprap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But the Corps did not consider any other methods other than riprap, according to the lawsuit filed Thursday by the Save the American River Association, American River Trees organization and the Center for Biological Diversity in Eastern District of California. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Borders of rough rocks, such as large chunks of limestone or riprap, can be added along the edges of ponds. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 23 Aug. 2025

Verb

Crank rocks and riprap for staging bass. —Steve Price, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

obsolete riprap sound of rapping

First Known Use

Noun

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for riprap

• bandgap
• bitmap
• blackcap
• blackstrap
• bootstrap
• burlap
• claptrap
• entrap
• foolscap
• kidnap
• kneecap
• madcap