Big Rip

noun

astronomy
: a hypothetical cosmological event in which all matter in the universe loses cohesion and which is posited to be a possible fate of the universe if the outward acceleration of matter continues
If the amount of dark energy increases with time, the future will be spectacular. The disruptive force would begin by tearing galaxies apart, then stars, and then—planets and any people who are around at the time. This scenario is the Big Rip.James Trefil
compare big bang, big crunch

Examples of Big Rip in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Pathlight, Double Shift, The Big Rip Brewing, and Grains and Taps downtown Lee’s Summit location have all shuttered in the past year. Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 8 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Big Rip was in 2003

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Cite this Entry

“Big Rip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Big%20Rip. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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