Showing Results for "rigging"

See Also:

• present participle of rig.

rigging

American  

[rig-ing] / ˈrɪg ɪŋ /

noun

1. the ropes, chains, etc., employed to support and work the masts, yards, sails, etc., on a ship.

2. lifting or hauling tackle.

3. Informal. clothing.

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rigging British  

/ ˈrɪɡɪŋ /

noun

1. the shrouds, stays, halyards, etc, of a vessel

2. the bracing wires, struts, and lines of a biplane, balloon, etc

3. any form of lifting gear, tackle, etc

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Etymology

Origin of rigging

First recorded in 1480–90; rig + -ing ¹

Explanation

Everything on a sailboat or ship that holds the sails up is its rigging. The rigging typically includes masts and ropes. Sometimes the term rigging is used for just about everything on a sailing vessel, including the sails themselves. You can also use this noun for the process of adjusting or setting up these parts, either on a ship or an airship, parachute, or hang-glider. Rigging comes from the verb rig, which was originally nautical and meant just "to fit with sails."

Example Sentences

Criminal antitrust cases are typically reserved for allegations of price fixing, market collusion or competitors rigging their bids to customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

These workers control everything from individually steaming each stage curtain to rigging massive pieces of audio equipment.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The controversy around Ms Dzafce is a postscript to a chaotic Miss Universe pageant hosted in Thailand that had been hounded by walkouts and allegations of rigging.

From BBC • Dec. 16, 2025

Franglen's creations included a long-necked lute, similar to a Turkish saz, with strings that represent the rigging of the Wind Traders' ship.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

Joseph remembered how the backstage of the Royal Theatre, with its miles of ropes and rigging, made him think of a ship.

From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick