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

In an instant, the wind tore the rigging from the smaller mast, turning the yacht nearly on its side and into an incoming wave. —David Wolman, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025

For years, the Frelimo party, which has governed Mozambique since 1975, has faced allegations of election rigging. —Natasha Frost, New York Times, 27 Dec. 2024

The majestic ship features three towering masts, 10 full sails, a flying red ensign flag and intricate rigging. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Dec. 2024

The rigging for a main character can take six to nine months to complete, notes Smeed, and is a piece of the puzzle that happens in pre-production. —Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ragging, riggyng fitting out of a ship

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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)