rigging

1 of 2

noun

rig·​ging ˈri-giŋ How to pronounce rigging (audio) -gən How to pronounce rigging (audio)
Synonyms of riggingnext
1
a
: lines and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars
b
: a similar network (as in theater scenery) used for support and manipulation
2
: clothing

rigging

2 of 2

present participle of rig entry 1, rig entry 3

Synonyms of rigging

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Noun

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Examples of rigging in a Sentence

Noun They checked the rigging before they set sail. even at the Ivies they dress in the standard rigging of the college student: T-shirt and jeans
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Noun
The system of record is the rigging that holds through the storm. — Rob Green, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 His father, Kenneth Getty, who died last year, was convicted and sentenced to federal prison for bid-rigging stemming from his time as mayor in the 1990s. — Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Traditionally used to damage a ship’s rigging and destroy masts, in this instance it was used by the patriots as an antipersonnel weapon, with devastating effect. — Jennifer Janofsky, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026 Both locations, which feature ship riggings, ocean-blue floors and other buccaneer-chic theming, offer a gastropub menu of burgers, salads, prime-rib sandwiches and a rum wall stocked with hundreds of rare bottles. — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rigging

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ragging, riggyng fitting out of a ship

First Known Use

Noun

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigging was in 1594

Rhymes for rigging

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Browse Nearby Words

rigger's screw
rigging
rigging loft
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Cite this Entry

“Rigging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigging. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rigging

noun
rig·​ging ˈrig-iŋ How to pronounce rigging (audio)
-ən
1
: the ropes and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars
2
: equipment for supporting and working something (as theater scenery)

More from Merriam-Webster on rigging

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rigging

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