Word
ripple
Phoneticsrip·ple, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɪpəɫ/
UK/ɹˈɪpəl/
Definitions
01water wave
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a very small wave on the surface of water, often caused by a light wind or by dropping something into it.
n. a small wave or series of waves on the surface of a liquid, typically caused by a slight breeze or a physical disturbance.
“The pebble made a small ripple that spread across the quiet pond.”
“A light breeze created a gentle ripple across the surface of the lake, distorting the reflection of the surrounding mountains.”
Synonyms
02spreading effect
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a feeling or effect that spreads gradually through a group of people or a situation.
n. a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single event; often used in the phrase 'ripple effect'.
“The news of the factory closing caused a ripple of worry through the town.”
“The sudden interest rate hike sent a ripple of anxiety through the housing market, causing many buyers to reconsider their offers.”
Synonyms
03sound
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. a sound that is like water moving gently.
n. a sound resembling that of water flowing over stones or breaking softly on a shore.
“A ripple of laughter broke the silence in the library.”
“The quiet ripple of the brook provided a soothing background to their conversation in the garden.”
04electrical signal
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Electronics Technical
n. a small, unwanted change in an electrical signal that should be steady.
n. a small periodic variation in the direct current output of a power supply derived from an alternating current source.
“The engineer checked the screen to see if there was any ripple in the power supply.”
“Excessive voltage ripple can lead to significant interference in sensitive audio equipment, necessitating better filtration in the circuit design.”
Synonyms
05to move in waves
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to move in small waves or to show a wavy pattern.
v. to form or move in small undulations; to propagate like a moving wave.
“The tall grass began to ripple as the wind blew across the field.”
“The athlete's muscles rippled under his skin as he prepared for the final sprint toward the finish line.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“In the ocean, it helps explain how ripples become giant, powerful waves.” “The posts have sent a ripple effect through Washington.” Etymology
From an alteration of rimple.
From Middle English *ripelen, repulen, equivalent to rip + -le (frequentative suffix).
Compare German Low German Repel, Dutch repel, German Riffel, extended forms (with instrumental or diminutive -le) of Low German Repe (“ripple”), Dutch repe (“ripple”). Compare also Dutch repen, German reffen, Swedish repa (“to beat; ripple”). The verb is from Middle English ripplen, rypelen. Compare Low German repelen, Dutch repelen, German riffeln.
Dialectal form of thripple.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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