rippled; rippling
ˈri-p(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to become lightly ruffled or covered with small waves
b
: to flow in small waves
c
: to fall in soft undulating folds
the scarf rippled to the floor
2
: to flow with a light rise and fall of sound or inflection
laughter rippled over the audience
3
: to move with an undulating motion or so as to cause ripples
the canoe rippled through the water
4
: to have or produce a ripple effect : spread
the news rippled outwards
1
: to stir up small waves on
2
: to impart a wavy motion or appearance to
rippling his arm muscles
3
: to utter or play with a slight rise and fall of sound
1
a
: a shallow stretch of rough water in a stream
b(1)
: the ruffling of the surface of water
(2)
: a small wave
2
a
b
: a sound like that of rippling water
a ripple of laughter
c
: a usually slight noticeable effect or reaction
Examples of ripple in a Sentence
Verb
Water rippled under the dock.
We could see the lion's muscles ripple.
A cool breeze rippled the water.
Noun
The pebble made ripples in the pond when I threw it in.
Recent Examples on the Web
Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
With nearly eight decades under his belt, his influence continues to ripple across generations of artists and fans alike.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
The ripples were felt worldwide as EUROSTOXX 50 futures rose 1.3%, while FTSE futures gained 0.8% and DAX futures 1.1%.
—Reuters, NBC news, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripple
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.
Verb
But the massive uncertainty caused by Trump’s policies have started to negatively ripple through the economy by affecting how consumers and businesses spend.
—Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 30 May 2025
With nearly eight decades under his belt, his influence continues to ripple across generations of artists and fans alike.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 30 May 2025
Noun
The domino effect is well under way in Serie A, and the ripples will be felt for weeks and months to come.
—Emmet Gates, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
The ripples were felt worldwide as EUROSTOXX 50 futures rose 1.3%, while FTSE futures gained 0.8% and DAX futures 1.1%.
—Reuters, NBC news, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripple
Cite this Entry
“Ripple.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripple. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ripple
2 of 2 noun1
a
: the disturbing of the surface of water
b
: a small wave or a mark like a small wave
2
: a sound like that of rippling water
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share