ripples; rippled; rippling
1
: to move in small waves
Water rippled under the dock.
We could see the lion's muscles ripple.
A cool breeze rippled the water.
2
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to pass or spread through or over (someone or something)
Fear/excitement rippled through the room. [=people in the room suddenly felt fear/excitement]
Economists predict that these costs will ripple through the economy. [=will affect the entire economy]
plural ripples
1
a
: a small wave on the surface of a liquid
The pebble made ripples in the pond when I threw it in.
b
: a shape or pattern having small waves
ripples of sand
2
: a sound that gradually becomes louder and then quieter
—usually + of
ripples of laughter
3
: something that passes or spreads through or over someone or something
—usually singular —often + of
A ripple of fear/excitement spread through the room. [=people in the room suddenly felt fear/excitement]
Cite this Entry
“Ripple.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/ripple. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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