rigging

noun

rig·​ging ˈri-giŋ 

-gən

1

a

: lines and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars

b

: a similar network (as in theater scenery) used for support and manipulation

2

: clothing

Synonyms

• apparel
• attire
• clobber [British slang]
• clothes
• clothing
• costumery
• dress
• duds
• garments
• gear
• habiliment(s)
• habit [archaic]
• rags
• raiment
• rig
• threads
• toggery
• togs
• vestiary
• vestments
• vesture
• wear
• wearables
• weeds

Examples of rigging in a Sentence

They checked the rigging before they set sail.

even at the Ivies they dress in the standard rigging of the college student: T-shirt and jeans

Recent Examples on the Web

Newsmax has settled another lawsuit brought by Smartmatic, another election company that also was at the center of false election rigging claims. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 9 Apr. 2025

This followed the European Parliament’s rejection of Georgia’s recent elections, amidst claims of vote rigging. —Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2025

The vessel’s rigging rises far above the deck, forming a cat’s cradle of masts, ropes, and sails. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 4 Mar. 2025

Pakistan has been embroiled in political controversy since the 2023 imprisonment of former Prime Minster Imran Khan, who remains popular, and a 2024 election that brought his rival party into power amid widespread allegations of vote rigging. —Betsy Joles, NPR, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ragging, riggyng fitting out of a ship

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for rigging

• digging
• jigging

Kids Definition

rigging

noun

rig·​ging ˈrig-iŋ 

-ən

1

: the ropes and chains used aboard a ship especially in working sail and supporting masts and spars

2

: equipment for supporting and working something (as theater scenery)