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
In fact, proprietary grooming, rigging and surfacing tools used on the predecessors could not simply be transferred to DNEG’s pipeline. — Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 17 Oct. 2026 The screw lock feature is also available on wide-gap hooks nowadays, which are used in a plethora of bass presentations from weedless rigging, to Texas rigging, to Carolina rigging. — Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026 Visitors attending the show can step aboard more than 150 sailboats and connect with more than 500 vendors showcasing marine electronics, rigging, safety equipment, apparel, accessories and services, a news release announced. — Michelle Richardson, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 They can be deployed or furled in minutes with the push of a button, eliminating conventional rigging from the deck and allowing the yacht to sail with far less manpower. — Robb Report, 9 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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