rappel

verb

rap·​pel rə-ˈpel How to pronounce rappel (audio)
ra-
rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling

intransitive verb

: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope passed under one thigh, across the body, and over the opposite shoulder or through a special friction device
rappel noun

Examples of rappel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
From pots, set into the waists, tendrils and leaves stretched up, while climbing ropes, woven through the belt loops and mounted on a wooden wall display, offered the illusion of a rappelling plant person. Jesse Wright, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2025 Wardwell and a group of friends had plans to rappel down the waterfalls, KSEE reported. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025 With the help of his partner, the unidentified man was able to rappel to the base of the climbing route, where a team of park rangers had assembled to provide medical care. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025 Ryan Wardwell of Long Beach was planning to rappel the Seven Teacups waterfalls Sunday evening but became trapped after the water's strong hydraulics forced him off his climbing lines, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rappel

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, recall, from Old French rapel, from rapeler to recall, from re- + apeler to appeal, call — more at appeal

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rappel was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rappel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rappel. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

rappel

verb
rap·​pel rə-ˈpel How to pronounce rappel (audio)
ra-
rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling
: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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