rappel

verb

rap·​pel rə-ˈpel 

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

At one point, his team led an operation at a Chicago apartment complex in which agents rappelled from a helicopter. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Twin Cities, 17 Mar. 2026

Rescue personnel then rappelled down to the climber’s location, provided further medical treatment, and put the climber in a titanium litter. —Outside, 3 Mar. 2026

Emerald, with few options left, rappelled down to earth. —Robert Moor, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

The 2024 closing ceremony also featured a stunt from actor Tom Cruise, who rappelled down the stadium in Paris, shook hands with athletes, grabbed the Olympics flag, attached it to the back of his motorcycle, and drove off. —Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for rappel

• appal
• apple
• chapel
• dapple
• grapple
• pineapple

Kids Definition

rappel

verb

rap·​pel rə-ˈpel 

ra-

rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling

: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope