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

Other high-profile figures who had previously been indicted on separate cases of stock rigging include Samsung chairman Lee Jae-yong, Kakao founder Kim Beom-su, and former first lady Kim Keon-hee.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 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

Leiweke, a co-founder of Oak View Group, was charged in July with rigging a competitive process for the right to build a new arena in Austin for the University of Texas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

She wove a sail big enough for a small yacht and made enough rope for all the rigging.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan