# rigging

/ˈɹɪɡɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈɪɡɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rigging
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. ship equipment

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the ropes, chains, and equipment that support a ship's masts and control the sails.

For teachers: the collective system of ropes, cables, and chains used to support a sailing vessel's masts and control its sails.

- The sailors worked quickly to repair the rigging before the storm arrived.
- The captain ordered a full inspection of the standing rigging to ensure the masts could withstand the predicted gale-force winds.

Usage: Often categorized into 'standing rigging' (fixed supports) and 'running rigging' (adjustable ropes for sails).

### 2. theatre or construction equipment

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the ropes and metal structures used to hang lights in a theatre or move heavy things on a building site.

For teachers: the equipment and structures used to support, hang, or move heavy loads in construction, film, or theatrical environments.

- The crew spent all night setting up the rigging for the concert's light show.
- Safety protocols require that all overhead rigging in the studio be inspected by a certified engineer before the actors begin rehearsals.

## Examples

- The sailors climbed the rigging to fix the sail.
- Strong winds during the storm caused significant damage to the ship's rigging, making it difficult to steer.
- Traditional tall ships require a complex network of standing and running rigging, each line serving a specific mechanical purpose in maintaining the vessel's structural integrity and propulsion.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.