rigging

American  

[rig-ing] / ˈrɪg ɪŋ /

noun

1. the ropes, chains, etc., employed to support and work the masts, yards, sails, etc., on a ship.

2. lifting or hauling tackle.

3. Informal. clothing.

---

rigging British  

/ ˈrɪɡɪŋ /

noun

1. the shrouds, stays, halyards, etc, of a vessel

2. the bracing wires, struts, and lines of a biplane, balloon, etc

3. any form of lifting gear, tackle, etc

---

Etymology

Origin of rigging

First recorded in 1480–90; rig + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Franglen's creations included a long-necked lute, similar to a Turkish saz, with strings that represent the rigging of the Wind Traders' ship.

From BBC • Dec. 12, 2025

In 2024, the fair paid $500,000 to settle a lawsuit accusing fair officials of rigging a bid for a multimillion-dollar carnival contract.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

Leiweke had faced charges of rigging the bid for a $375 million basketball arena that was later built for the University of Texas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

His wife is also in custody and on trial on charges including bribery, stock-market rigging, and accepting luxury gifts worth more than $50,000.

From Barron's • Dec. 2, 2025

But they were all so eager to try it that soon its rigging was broken and its pennant dragging.

From "The Door in the Wall" by Marguerite de Angeli