rigging

noun

rig·​ging ˈri-giŋ  -gən 

1

a

: lines and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars

b

: a similar network (as in theater scenery) used for support and manipulation

2

: clothing

Synonyms of rigging

• clothing
• clothes
• attire
• dress
• garments
• apparel

Examples of rigging in a Sentence

They checked the rigging before they set sail.

even at the Ivies they dress in the standard rigging of the college student: T-shirt and jeans

Recent Examples on the Web

Mecum Auctions also mentions that the car later played a minor role in the production of the classic motorsport movie Grand Prix, as racer Bob Bondurant tested mobile camera rigging with it (shown here). —Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 7 Jan. 2026

One of the earliest iterations involved jerry-rigging a Motorola to enhance mobile connectivity, Leach laughed. —Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026

The other involved allegations of election rigging against a Compton city council member. —James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026

Leiweke was accused of orchestrating a bid-rigging plot to ensure that OVG landed the contract to build the Moody Center at the University of Texas at Austin. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ragging, riggyng fitting out of a ship

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for rigging

• digging
• jigging

Kids Definition

rigging

noun

rig·​ging ˈrig-iŋ 

-ən

1

: the ropes and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars

2

: equipment for supporting and working something (as theater scenery)