ripple Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a small wave on the surface of a liquid
    riffle; wavelet; rippling.
  2. noun (electronics) an oscillation of small amplitude imposed on top of a steady value
  3. verb stir up (water) so as to form ripples
    riffle; undulate; ruffle; cockle.
  4. verb flow in an irregular current with a bubbling noise
    babble; burble; guggle; bubble; gurgle.
    • babbling brooks

WordNet

Rip"ple noun
Etymology
FRom Rip, v.
Definitions
  1. An implement, with teeth like those of a comb, for removing the seeds and seed vessels from flax, broom corn, etc.
Rip"ple transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To remove the seeds from (the stalks of flax, etc.), by means of a ripple.
  2. Hence, to scratch or tear. Holland.
Rip"ple intransitive verb
Etymology
Cf. Rimple, Rumple.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Rippled ; present participle & verbal noun Rippling
Definitions
  1. To become fretted or dimpled on the surface, as water when agitated or running over a rough bottom; to be covered with small waves or undulations, as a field of grain.
  2. To make a sound as of water running gently over a rough bottom, or the breaking of ripples on the shore.
Rip"ple transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To fret or dimple, as the surface of running water; to cover with small waves or undulations; as, the breeze rippled the lake.
Rip"ple noun
Definitions
  1. The fretting or dimpling of the surface, as of running water; little curling waves.
  2. A little wave or undulation; a sound such as is made by little waves; as, a ripple of laughter.

Webster 1913