What does rip mean?
Rip is a versatile English word best known as a verb meaning to tear or split something forcefully and suddenly. It can describe paper, fabric, clothing, or larger objects, and it often suggests a sharp movement or sound: a zipper rips, a branch rips, or someone rips open a package. As a noun, a rip is a tear, an opening, or the sound of something being torn. The word can also mean to move through something quickly, as in 'the motorcycle ripped through traffic.' In informal speech, 'rip' may mean excellent or enjoyable, while the older slang noun for a dead body can appear in casual or deliberately macabre contexts. Its short pronunciation distinguishes it from 'ripe,' which has a long vowel sound.
To tear, split, or pull apart something forcefully or suddenly.
"The dog ripped the cushion apart."
Often transitive and frequently used with words such as 'open,' 'apart,' and 'through.'
To move or pass through something quickly and forcefully.
"The jet ripped through the clouds."
This sense is common in journalism and informal description.
A tear, ragged opening, or split in a material.
"There was a rip in the sleeve."
A sharp, sudden sound resembling material being torn.
"He heard a rip across the quiet room."
The plural is used for individual tears, openings, or instances of the sound.
"The old jacket was covered with rips and tears."
A single vowel does the work: rip means to tear sharply, while ripe means fully grown or ready to eat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does rip come from?
The precise origin of rip is uncertain. The word is recorded in English with meanings connected with tearing and sudden movement, and its development may have been influenced by the sound of tearing itself. Its familiar modern senses remain firmly established in general English.
Related word forms
How rip is actually used
The basic verb is standard in British and American English. The adjective meaning 'excellent' and the noun meaning 'a dead body' are informal or slang; the latter can sound humorous or deliberately macabre.
Easily confused with rip
Rip has a short vowel sound, /rɪp/, while ripe has the diphthong /aɪ/, as in 'ripe fruit.'