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noun Uncommon

rigging

RIH-gihng
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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
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Word forms

Plural
riggings
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Fill the gap

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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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