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.
The custom installation at the Palais began last summer and even involved installers rappelling from the ceiling to rig the ceiling loudspeakers, according to Friedrich Deininger, Dolby’s senior director of cinema and partner management for EMEA and India. Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 13 May 2025 Volunteers rappelled from the top of a building as sirens went off and firecrackers erupted — apparently to imitate shelling in one drill in the Indian port city of Mumbai. Diaa Hadid, NPR, 7 May 2025 One young man had rappelled two hundred feet, down a hole in the ceiling of the gallery on the other side of the crystal cave. Amie Barrodale, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025 The town of La Fortuna is home to numerous rivers and waterfalls, where visitors can try tubing (also in Manuel Antonio National Park) and the adventure sport of canyoning (rappelling down cascading waterfalls and rock formations). AFAR Media, 8 July 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 19 Aug. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!