rigmarole

noun

rig·ma·role | \ ˈri-gə-mə-ˌrōl ,

ˈrig-mə- \

variants: or less commonly rigamarole

Definition of rigmarole

1 : confused or meaningless talk

2 : a complex and sometimes ritualistic procedure

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about rigmarole

Keep scrolling for more

Did You Know?

In the Middle Ages, the term Rageman or Ragman referred to a game in which a player randomly selected a string attached to a roll of verses and read the selected verse. The roll was called a Ragman roll after a fictional king purported to be the author of the verses. By the 16th century, ragman and ragman roll were being used figuratively to mean "a list or catalog." Both terms fell out of written use, but ragman roll persisted in speech, and in the 18th century it resurfaced in writing as rigmarole, with the meaning "a succession of confused, meaningless, or foolish statements." In the mid-19th century rigmarole (also spelled rigamarole, reflecting its common pronunciation) acquired its most recent sense, "a complex and ritualistic procedure."

Examples of rigmarole in a Sentence

We had to go through the rigmarole of installing, registering, and activating the software before we found out it wouldn't work. He just told us what to do without all the usual rigamarole.

Recent Examples on the Web

Amazon will gain a pharmacy license in 49 states and avoid regulatory rigmarole. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "Amazon the Rx Disrupter," 29 June 2018 But even Express holders, who can walk right into the Fallon attraction without a reservation, have to wade through the pre-ride rigmarole. — Arthur Levine, USA TODAY, "Universal's Virtual Line revamps queues for attractions," 13 June 2018 Certain direct-to-consumer brands such as Away and Barracuda—both of whose bags are equipped with all-important ejectable batteries—have taken care to make the airport rigmarole less, not more, stressful. — Haley Velasco, WSJ, "Does Smart Luggage Really Make Travel Easier?," 23 May 2018 If Superman can just fly backwards and turn back the clock, why bother going through the rigmarole of fighting bad guys? — Frank Pallotta And Brian Lowry, CNN, "A spoiler-y discussion about Marvel's 'Avengers' mashup," 30 Apr. 2018 This has been going on -- this rigmarole, as my mother used to say, has been going on for a long time. — Fox News, "'Roseanne' reboot premieres to strong ratings," 29 Mar. 2018 Eagles fans, meanwhile, will likely face the usual rigmarole. — Nick Vadala, Philly.com, "In South Philly on Saturday? Expect delays, thanks to the Eagles and the Killers," 11 Jan. 2018 However, in the heart of the holiday season, that rigmarole is somehow interrupted by a 14-year-old. — Kathy Iandoli, Billboard, "Bhad Bhabie Talks Viral Success, Kodak Black Rumors & Using Haters as Inspiration," 26 Dec. 2017 Baggage or no baggage, the rigmarole is nothing short of exhausting. — Kinvara Balfour, A-LIST, "On The Fly," 23 Dec. 2017

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