riprap

[ rip-rap ]

noun

1. a quantity of broken stone for foundations, revetments of embankments, etc.
2. a foundation or wall of stones thrown together irregularly.

verb (used with object)

, rip·rapped, rip·rap·ping.

1. to construct with or strengthen by stones, either loose or fastened with mortar.

Word History and Origins

Origin of riprap¹

First recorded in 1570–80; gradational reduplication of rap ¹

Example Sentences

DWP recovery efforts included repairing roads, adding riprap armor to 14 miles of berm slopes, removing critical electrical equipment threatened by corrosive floodwaters, and installing monitoring stations and cameras to track flooding in real time.

From Los Angeles Times

“But what do we do about the future? We’re not just talking about riprap and wharfs, we’re talking about being ready in many ways.”

From Seattle Times

Soon, a train hauling 24 gondolas and groaning with tons of riprap inched toward us.

From Los Angeles Times

Today, with much of Puget Sound “armored” by seawalls, riprap and hard surfaces, natural beach formation has been significantly disrupted.

From Seattle Times

The river here runs in a channel enclosed in stretches of rocky riprap barriers, which were built decades ago after floods washed out homes.

From Los Angeles Times