rappel

verb

rap·pel | \ rə-ˈpel

, ra- \

rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling

Definition of rappel

: 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

Other Words from rappel Example Sentences Learn More about rappel

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of rappel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Using methods more likely to be seen in a Hollywood movie than in an archaeological project, researchers had to rappel down a precarious cliff face to reach the cave opening, which is 262 feet below a cliff top and flanked by gorges on either side. — Patrick Smith, NBC News, "Dead Sea Scrolls discoveries are first ancient Bible texts to be found in 60 years," 16 Mar. 2021 Fire crews arrived and used harnesses to rappel down the face of the sheer cliff and reach the man. — Fox News, "Utah hiker survives 100-foot fall onto cliff ledge, stranded for 5 hours before rescue," 30 Dec. 2020 The steel girder that holds up the living-room ceiling is also a climbing pole, with a harness so guests can rappel down. — Burkhard Bilger, The New Yorker, "The Art of Building the Impossible," 23 Nov. 2020 On Friday, the 28-year-old will rappel down a 357-foot tall building in Columbus. — Sarah Brookbank, The Enquirer, "Free movies at Walmart, why you'll hear gunshots, Zoo babies, tax hike nixed - Thursday updates," 6 Aug. 2020 On Friday, Schneider will rappel down a 357-foot tall building in Columbus. — Keith Bierygolick, The Enquirer, "A tenacious athlete broke her neck falling 3 feet. She will now rappel off a 357-foot-tall building, in her wheelchair," 6 Aug. 2020 Hocking State Forest is also opening several recreational features, including the horse camp, Airplane Rock, and the bridle trails north of the Unger Road rappelling area on June 15. — Steve Stephens, The Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati.com, "Two Hocking Hills State Park trails to reopen mid-June," 26 May 2020 Friends and family posted on social media that Dorsett was an experienced climber and canyoneer, an extreme form of hiking that involves exploring canyons by rappelling, swimming and more. — James Carr, azcentral, "GoFundMe for man who died in flash flood in Bull Canyon has raised over $13,000 for family," 27 Feb. 2020 Lady Gaga literally rappelled into her show, after doing a medley of America songs. — oregonlive, "25 Super Bowl halftime shows ranked from truly terrible to totally transcendent for 2020," 22 Jan. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rappel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.