noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

ramp

Ramp (noun) means a sloped surface connecting two different levels, allowing movement between them without steps. Example: “The wheelchair ramp let her enter the building without using the stairs.”

noun

A sloped surface connecting two different levels, allowing movement between them without steps.

"The wheelchair ramp let her enter the building without using the stairs."

"Take the next ramp to merge onto the motorway."

verb

To increase something steadily, or to build up quickly (often "ramp up").

"The factory is ramping up production ahead of the holiday season."

"Prices have ramped up sharply over the past few months."

How to use ramp

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sloped connector between two levels, or (as a verb) to increase or build up quickly.

Common mistake

In British slang, "ramp" can also mean a scam or con — context makes the meaning clear.

Common pairings

ramp up wheelchair ramp exit ramp

Word forms

ramped past tense, ramps plural, ramps plural, Ramps plural, ramps singular

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The wheelchair _____ let her enter the building without using the stairs.

Etymology

From French rampe, related to ramper, "to crawl or climb" — the same root that gives us "rampant."

Origin: French

Synonyms

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incline slope gradient

Related words

side hill tend decline pitch lean descent slope

Rhymes for ramp

amp damp camp vamp lamp kamp tramp stamp champ swamp cramp clamp

See all rhymes for ramp →

Frequently asked questions

What does “ramp” mean?

The word “ramp” means a sloped surface connecting two different levels, allowing movement between them without steps. In plain terms, a sloped connector between two levels, or (as a verb) to increase or build up quickly.

How do you pronounce “ramp”?

“Ramp” is pronounced ramp (/ɹæmp/ in IPA).

How do you use “ramp” in a sentence?

Here is “ramp” used in a sentence: “The wheelchair ramp let her enter the building without using the stairs.”

What part of speech is “ramp”?

Depending on how it is used, “ramp” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “ramp” come from?

The word “ramp” comes from French. From French rampe, related to ramper, "to crawl or climb" — the same root that gives us "rampant.".

Is “ramp” a common word?

“Ramp” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “ramp” have?

“Ramp” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sloped surface connecting two different levels, allowing movement between them without steps.

What is the difference between a ramp and a stairway?

A ramp is a sloped surface connecting two different levels, allowing movement between them without steps, while a stairway consists of a series of steps. Ramps are commonly used for wheelchair access, vehicles, or moving heavy items, since they allow continuous rather than stepped movement.

What does it mean to 'ramp up' something?

To ramp up something means to increase it steadily or build it up quickly, such as ramping up production or ramping up security. It is used as a verb even though 'ramp' as a noun refers to a physical slope.

Is 'ramp' used differently as a noun and a verb?

Yes. As a noun, ramp refers to a physical sloped surface. As a verb, it means to increase something steadily or build up quickly, often in the phrase 'ramp up.'

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