noun
Uncommon
ripple
RIHPL
Ripple (noun) means a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water. Example: “A stone thrown in the pond sent ripples across the surface.”
noun
1
A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water.
"The ebbing tide had left ripples in the sand."
"A stone thrown in the pond sent ripples across the surface."
verb
1
To form small waves, or to spread gradually through something like a crowd.
"Laughter rippled through the audience."
How to use ripple
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small wave, or the spreading effect something has, like a rumor moving through a crowd.
Common pairings
ripple effect
ripple through the crowd
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Word forms
- Plural
- ripples
- Third person singular
- ripples
- Past tense
- rippled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A stone thrown in the pond sent _____ across the surface.
Etymology
Believed to come from an alteration of "rimple," an older word for a fold or wrinkle.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for ripple
See all rhymes for ripple →Frequently asked questions
What does “ripple” mean?
The word “ripple” means a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water. In plain terms, a small wave, or the spreading effect something has, like a rumor moving through a crowd.
How do you pronounce “ripple”?
“Ripple” is pronounced RIHPL (/ˈɹɪp(ə)l/ in IPA).
How do you use “ripple” in a sentence?
Here is “ripple” used in a sentence: “A stone thrown in the pond sent ripples across the surface.”
What part of speech is “ripple”?
Depending on how it is used, “ripple” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “ripple” a common word?
“Ripple” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ripple” have?
“Ripple” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water.
