rigger

American  

[rig-er] / ˈrɪg ər /

noun

1. a person who rigs.

2. a person whose occupation is the fitting of the rigging of ships.

3. a person who works with hoisting tackle, cranes, scaffolding, etc.

4. a protective structure around a construction site.

5. Aeronautics.

   1. a mechanic skilled in the assembly, adjustment, and alignment of aircraft control surfaces, wings, and the like.

   2. parachute rigger.

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rigger British  

/ ˈrɪɡə /

noun

1. a workman who rigs vessels, etc

2. rowing a bracket on a racing shell or other boat to support a projecting rowlock

3. a person skilled in the use of pulleys, lifting gear, cranes, etc

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Etymology

Origin of rigger

First recorded in 1605–15; rig + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The worker, a rigger, was working on Marvel Studios’ “Wonder Man” at Radford Studio Center in the San Fernando Valley when the incident occurred.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2024

The man who died worked as a rigger, Deadline reported, and he died on set.

From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2024

The man, whose name was not made public, was a rigger who fell from the rafters, according to the trade publication Deadline, which first reported the news.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 6, 2024

The rigger was working for ELP Broadcast and Events, who pleaded guilty to breaching safety guidelines.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2023

He went on to train as a parachute rigger and was sent to Panama.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge