ripper

noun

rip·per | \ˈri-pər

\

Definition of ripper

1 : one that rips especially : a machine used to break up solid material (such as rock or ore)

2 : an excellent example or instance of its kind

Examples of ripper in a Sentence

the comedian's last routine was a real ripper, leaving the audience in those proverbial stitches

Recent Examples on the Web

Sandpaper ripper Everybody has a different take on this thing. — Roy Berendson, Popular Mechanics, "6 Simple Projects You Can Make From Scrap Wood," 21 Mar. 2018 The machine also has geo-fencing technology, so parents can allow little rippers to wander off-road, but not too far off. — Kyle Stock, Bloomberg.com, "Polaris Thinks the People Want a $28,000 Dune Buggy," 6 Mar. 2018 Its CB Steep Guides program allows mid-to-advanced rippers to take advantage of the mountain’s steep bowls, tight tree lines, and chutes, which mimic the backcountry but are still patrolled in case things get real. — Candice Rainey, Esquire, "Where to Get a Ski Slope to Yourself on Any Budget," 12 Jan. 2018 In celebration of all things Australian, Billboard has selected 17 little rippers to get some sunshine into your life. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, "17 Great Aussie Songs For Australian Music Month: Kylie, Nick Cave, Go-Betweens, AC/DC & More," 1 Nov. 2017 Established pros frequently put on a show, along with pint-sized rippers and their silver-haired counterparts. — Barbara Odanaka, latimes.com, "Roll into the soul of skateboarding at Venice Beach," 28 Oct. 2017 Local rippers patiently give way to wide-eyed newcomers. — Barbara Odanaka, latimes.com, "Roll into the soul of skateboarding at Venice Beach," 28 Oct. 2017 This ripper from High ’n’ Dry is barely three minutes long but doesn’t give an inch. — Christa Titus, Billboard, "Def Leppard's 15 Best Songs: Critic's Picks," 27 Oct. 2017 That spawned CD rippers, the MP3, software music players, hardware music players (like, eventually, the iPod), P2P file sharing, anti-piracy lawsuits, and web radio. — Eliot Van Buskirk, WIRED, "The iPod Changed Computing Forever. Now It Will Disappear," 3 Oct. 2011

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

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The first known use of ripper was in 1611

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de rigueur

required by fashion, etiquette, or custom

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