ricochet
noun
the motion of an object or a projectile in rebounding or deflecting from a surface one or more times as a result of a glancing blow.
ricocheting
-
present participleof ricochet.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Because helium’s industrial uses are so broad, shortages are ricocheting through multiple sectors and countries at once.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 31, 2026
Their motion resembles a pinball ricocheting between stationary posts.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 17, 2025
Another defensive mess in the second half resulted in Dane Murray's attempted clearance ricocheting off Gabri Martinez and into the back of the net.
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2025
Ryan, whose family is frequently forced to move, never gets the proper attention for his ADHD; his misbehavior eventually lands him in the juvenile justice system before sending him ricocheting from one school to another.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2023
But a tiny number— about one in eight thousand—bounced back at a sharp angle, some even ricocheting directly back at the source.
From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik
