noun

rigger

RIG-uhr

Rigger (noun) means a person whose job is to set up and operate ropes, cables, chains and lifting gear, for example on a ship, a construction site, a concert stage or a film set. Example: “The riggers spent the night flying the lighting truss above the stage.”

noun

A person whose job is to set up and operate ropes, cables, chains and lifting gear, for example on a ship, a construction site, a concert stage or a film set.

"The riggers spent the night flying the lighting truss above the stage."

"A qualified rigger signed off the crane lift."

A worker on an oil or gas drilling rig.

"He spent eight years as a rigger in the North Sea."

A person who dishonestly fixes the outcome of something such as an election, a market or a contest.

"The tribunal named three riggers of the interest rate benchmark."

How to Use Rigger

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone whose job is putting up ropes, cables and lifting gear.

When to use it

Neutral; a trade term.

Memory tip

The related noun rigging means the ropes and gear themselves, or the act of fixing a result dishonestly.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

rigor → rigour rigging → roughneck

Common pairings

qualified rigger stage rigger rigger's licence rigging crew

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The _____ spent the night flying the lighting truss above the stage.

Etymology

An agent noun from the verb rig "to fit out with ropes and sails", of uncertain earlier origin.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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roughneck roustabout fixer manipulator

Related Words

handler ruffian methadone Machiavelli

Rhymes for rigger

Tigger jigger bigger digger trigger gravedigger

See all rhymes for rigger →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a rigger and a scaffolder?

A scaffolder builds fixed temporary platforms out of tubes and boards so people can work at height. A rigger works with ropes, slings, chains and hoists to lift and suspend loads. The trades overlap on site but the tickets and qualifications are separate.

Is it rigger or rigor?

They are unrelated. A rigger is a person who rigs things; rigor is the Americanised spelling of rigour, meaning strictness or thoroughness, and also appears in rigor mortis.

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