# ripple

/ˈɹɪpəɫ/ (US) · /ɹˈɪpəl/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. water wave

noun · CEFR B2

a very small wave on the surface of water, often caused by a light wind or by dropping something into it.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. spreading effect

noun · CEFR B2

a feeling or effect that spreads gradually through a group of people or a situation.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. sound

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a sound that is like water moving gently.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. electrical signal

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a small, unwanted change in an electrical signal that should be steady.

For teachers: 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.

### 5. to move in waves

verb · CEFR B2

to move in small waves or to show a wavy pattern.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The pebble made a small ripple in the pond.
- The news of the merger sent a ripple of excitement through the entire office.
- A sudden gust of wind created a delicate ripple across the otherwise glassy surface of the mountain lake, distorting the reflection of the pines.

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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.