riprap

1 of 2

noun

rip·​rap ˈrip-ˌrap 

1

: a foundation or sustaining wall of stones or chunks of concrete thrown together without order (as in deep water)

also : a layer of this or similar material on an embankment slope to prevent erosion

2

: material used for riprap

riprap

2 of 2

verb

riprapped; riprapping; ripraps

transitive verb

1

: to form a riprap in or upon

2

: to strengthen or support with a riprap

Examples of riprap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Part of shoreline protection could involve laying out riprap — stacks of large rocks to absorb the shock from the water — along A.B. Ford Park in an area where the seawall is compromised, Johnson said. —Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 16 Oct. 2024

Since 2005, the Savage Stone Quarry has mined a mineral called Baltimore gabbro, which is used for road beds, riprap and airport runways, by blasting apart chunks of rock in a large open pit, situated between Interstate 95 and Route 1. —Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 5 July 2024

Verb

Crank rocks and riprap for staging bass. —Steve Price, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

obsolete riprap sound of rapping

First Known Use

Noun

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1