rigging

1 of 2

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

rigging

2 of 2

present participle of rig entry 1, rig entry 3

Synonyms of rigging

Noun

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

Examples of rigging in a Sentence

Noun

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

Noun

Following a 2024 general election marred by allegations of widespread vote-rigging, the government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has struggled to build momentum. — Hasan Ali, Christian Science Monitor, 10 Aug. 2026

On Friday, Tench was arrested on 99 felony charges, which include 33 counts of bid-rigging, 33 of first-degree forgery and 33 of filing false documents. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Clase allegedly roped him into a pitch-rigging scheme that now has both pitchers set to stand trial in November on wire fraud and conspiracy charges. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026

But that’s forcing them to wrestle with the idea that any action taken by a party is illegitimate, anti-democratic rigging — something the other team can use to depress the base. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ragging, riggyng fitting out of a ship

First Known Use

Noun

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)