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noun Uncommon

rigging

RIH-gihng

Rigging (noun) means the ropes, chains, and cables that support a ship's masts and sails. Example: “Sailors scrambled up the rigging to adjust the sails.”

noun
1
The ropes, chains, and cables that support a ship's masts and sails.
"Sailors scrambled up the rigging to adjust the sails."
2
The dishonest manipulation of an outcome, such as an election or a market.
"The scandal exposed widespread rigging in the bidding process."

How to use rigging

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe network of ropes and cables on a ship, or the act of dishonestly fixing an outcome.

Common pairings
ship's rigging vote rigging price rigging

Word forms

riggings plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Sailors scrambled up the _____ to adjust the sails.

Etymology

From Middle English riggyng, formed from rig plus -ing.

Origin: Middle English

Related words

Rhymes for rigging

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Frequently asked questions

What does “rigging” mean?

The word “rigging” means the ropes, chains, and cables that support a ship's masts and sails. In plain terms, the network of ropes and cables on a ship, or the act of dishonestly fixing an outcome.

How do you pronounce “rigging”?

“Rigging” is pronounced RIH-gihng (/ˈɹɪɡɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “rigging” in a sentence?

Here is “rigging” used in a sentence: “Sailors scrambled up the rigging to adjust the sails.”

What part of speech is “rigging”?

“Rigging” is a noun.

Where does the word “rigging” come from?

The word “rigging” comes from Middle English. From Middle English riggyng, formed from rig plus -ing.

Is “rigging” a common word?

“Rigging” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “rigging” have?

“Rigging” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the ropes, chains, and cables that support a ship's masts and sails.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial