ripple

Language: en

🇺🇸 /ˈrɪpəl/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A small wave or series of waves on the surface of a liquid, especially as caused by a slight breeze or disturbance.; A sound or movement that spreads through a group of people, such as laughter or applause.; A slight but noticeable effect or consequence that spreads outward from an event or action.; A small oscillation or variation in an otherwise steady electrical signal or current.; A wavy or undulating pattern or appearance, as in fabric, hair, or a surface.; A type of ice cream with wavy streaks of a different flavor running through it.; A shallow stretch of water where the current causes small waves, often found in a stream or river.
  2. verb
    To form or cause to form small waves on the surface of a liquid.; To move or spread in a manner resembling ripples, as a feeling, sound, or effect passing through a group.; To make or become wavy or undulating in form or appearance.; To produce a series of small sounds or movements in quick succession.; To run the fingers lightly over a surface, especially a keyboard or stringed instrument.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: ripples 3rd sing.: ripples Past: rippled Past part.: rippled Pres part.: rippling

Collocations

ripple effectsend ripples througha ripple of laughtera ripple of applauseripple acrosscause ripples

Derivatives

ripplingripplyrippled

Synonyms

waveundulationfluctuationtremorvibration

Antonyms

calmstillness

Commonly confused

wave
EN: 'Ripple' refers to a small, gentle disturbance on a surface; 'wave' implies a larger, more powerful movement.
wrinkle
EN: 'Ripple' describes a slight undulation on a surface (especially water); 'wrinkle' refers to a fold or crease in skin or fabric.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember the double 'p' in 'ripple'. When adding suffixes, drop the final 'e': 'rippling', 'rippled'.

💬 Examples

  1. The stone created a ripple across the still pond.

  2. A ripple of laughter spread through the audience.

  3. The policy change sent ripples through the entire industry.

  4. The power supply had too much ripple on its output voltage.

  5. The fabric had a beautiful ripple pattern woven into it.

  6. She ordered a scoop of chocolate ripple ice cream.

  7. The canoe glided over the ripple at the bend in the river.

  8. The breeze rippled the surface of the lake.

  9. Excitement rippled through the crowd as the band took the stage.

  10. The flag rippled in the wind.