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.
To reach the bottom, the two had to stop at each drop-off, affix safety ropes, and then rappel down a cliff. Frederick Dreier, Outside, 23 Jan. 2026 Some additional scenes are short, but add levity and color to the movies, like Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee using elven rope, gifted by Galadriel, to rappel down a mountain in Two Towers. Charlotte Observer, 23 Jan. 2026 During the raid, armed ICE and CBP agents rappelled from black hawk military helicopters and entered nearly all130 units in the five-story building. Darius Johnson, CBS News, 22 Jan. 2026 The park has the only remaining site of native Caddo maple, or sugar maple, trees, and local activities include rappelling down the canyon, walking on nature trails, hiking on a rocky trail and fishing. Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 15 Jan. 2026 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 30 Jan. 2026.

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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