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

A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water.

"A stone thrown in the pond sent ripples across the surface."

verb

To form small waves, or to spread gradually through something like a crowd.

"Laughter rippled through the audience."

How to use ripple

Learner’s notes

In 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

Word forms

rippled past tense, rippled past tense, rippled past tense, ripples plural, ripples plural, ripples plural, Ripples plural, ripples singular, ripples singular, ripples singular

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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

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bubble ruffle babble burble rippling riffle cockle guggle gurgle wavelet undulate

Related words

speak wave upset bubble thumb flowing flap shuffle

Rhymes for ripple

nipple cripple Whipple

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.

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