What does ripple mean?
Ripple denotes a small wave or undulation, especially on the surface of water, and is also used for comparable movements in other liquids. As a noun, it can describe a physical wave, a wave-like burst of sound, or a minor effect spreading through a group. As a verb, it describes movement in small waves and can also mean to cause such movement. Its figurative uses are especially productive: a decision, rumour, or feeling may send ripples through a community, indicating an influence that is slight at first but capable of spreading. The word is common in both formal and informal English and has few significant regional differences. Its imagery makes it especially useful when describing gradual change, subtle reactions, and effects that travel outward from a particular person, event, or idea.
A small wave or undulation on the surface of water or another liquid; by extension, a slight wave-like sound, disturbance, or spreading effect.
"The breeze created delicate ripples across the surface of the lake."
The noun is countable and pluralized as "ripples" when referring to individual waves or separate effects.
To move in small waves or undulations, or to cause a surface to move in that way.
"The pond rippled softly in the evening breeze."
The verb can be intransitive or transitive and is also widely used figuratively for effects that spread gradually.
Use "ripples" for individual waves or separate slight disturbances and effects.
"Small ripples spread outward from the point where the leaf touched the water."
A ripple can be water's tiniest wave—and also the first gentle sign that an idea, a feeling, or a change is spreading.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ripple come from?
Ripple appears in Middle English in connection with a small wave or disturbance in water. Its precise ultimate origin is uncertain, so it cannot confidently be assigned to a particular inherited root. Its modern noun and verb meanings, including the figurative sense of a gradual spreading effect, developed from the image of a surface moving in small waves.
Related word forms
How ripple is actually used
The word is neutral in register in literal use. Figuratively, it often suggests a modest but perceptible effect that spreads gradually, though it can also describe a slight disturbance or concern within a group.