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

Huge nationwide demonstrations erupted in 2009 over allegations of vote-rigging. —Lee Keath, Fortune, 1 Mar. 2026

Huge nationwide demonstrations erupted in 2009 over allegations of vote-rigging. —Dallas Morning News, 28 Feb. 2026

Since 2003, Solak has also served as a task force leader and heavy rigging specialist with FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Team California Task Force 4, deploying nationwide for major disaster recovery efforts. —Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 14 Feb. 2026

Etherington co-designed the entire rigging system and oversaw the installation of every stationary and robotic camera attached to the building. —Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Feb. 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)