rigging

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

Synonyms of rigging

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Examples of rigging in a Sentence

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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Friday, Tench was arrested on 99 felony charges, which include 33 counts of bid-rigging, 33 of first-degree forgery and 33 of filing false documents. — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 30 July 2026 Clase allegedly roped him into a pitch-rigging scheme that now has both pitchers set to stand trial in November on wire fraud and conspiracy charges. — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026 But that’s forcing them to wrestle with the idea that any action taken by a party is illegitimate, anti-democratic rigging — something the other team can use to depress the base. — David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 July 2026 Six modern replicas have also been completed, combining century-old plans with the latest in aluminum hulls, composite rigging, and sail technology. — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for rigging

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ragging, riggyng fitting out of a ship

First Known Use

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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of rigging for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rigging

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