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 of rigging

• clothing
• clothes
• attire
• dress
• garments
• apparel

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

Both parties appealed, and on Tuesday, the Seoul High Court raised her jail term to four years by convicting her of receiving another Chanel bag from the church and the price rigging charge. —ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026

This was a part of the rigging of the election. —CBS News, 27 Apr. 2026

In another video, the boat's rigging appeared to be intact, but the sails were down. —Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

Classes offered include fight choreography, martial arts, parkour, acrobatics, high falls, wrecks, wirework, rigging workshops, weapons and acting classes. —Matias Ocner, Miami Herald, 13 Apr. 2026

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)