riprap

[ rip-rap ]

/ ˈrɪpˌræp /

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noun

a quantity of broken stone for foundations, revetments of embankments, etc.

a foundation or wall of stones thrown together irregularly.

verb (used with object), rip·rapped, rip·rap·ping.

to construct with or strengthen by stones, either loose or fastened with mortar.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of riprap

First recorded in 1570–80; gradational reduplication of rap¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use riprap in a sentence

The heavy masonry bulkhead was supported on piles and rip-rap, as shown in Fig. 18.
Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. LXVIII, Sept. 1910|B. H. M. Hewett
When the shield had traveled 25 ft. through the rip-rap, the piles which support the bulkhead were met.
Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. LXVIII, Sept. 1910|B. H. M. Hewett
To such a torrent the natural rip-rap opposed a very slight obstacle.
The Crest of the Continent|Ernest Ingersoll
"But I rather have the fairy shoemaker, with his 'tip tap, rip rap';" laughing.
A Little Girl in Old Pittsburg|Amanda M. Douglas

Want to rip-rap the outer edge of this water hole, so the bank will not cave in and undo all our work!
The Pony Rider Boys in New Mexico|Frank Gee Patchin

British Dictionary definitions for riprap

rip-rap

noun

civil engineering broken stones loosely deposited in water or on a soft bottom to provide a foundation and protect a riverbed or river banks from scour: used for revetments, embankments, breakwaters, etc

Word Origin for rip-rap

C19: reduplication of rap 1

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012