C1noun & verbAdvanced vocabulary

ripple: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/ˈrɪpəl/·RIP-ul

Ripple (noun) means a small wave on the surface of water.

What does “ripple” mean?

  1. 1

    nouna small wave on the surface of water

    The stone made ripples on the pond.
  2. 2

    verbto move in small waves, or to spread gradually

    Excitement rippled through the crowd.
  3. 3

    nouna feeling or effect that spreads through a group

    A ripple of laughter went round the room.

Ripple at a glance

Part of speech
noun & verb
CEFR level
C1 (advanced)
Pronunciation
/ˈrɪpəl/ · RIP-ul

How to use “ripple” correctly

A “ripple effect” is when one event causes a chain of other effects, a useful phrase for essays.

Common phrases with “ripple”

  • ripple effect
  • a ripple of applause
  • ripple through

“ripple” is on these word lists

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