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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of rigging

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

Example Sentences

Fairley’s lawyer has declined to comment on the college-basketball rigging accusations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 27, 2026

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

Deutsche Bank has been caught up in scandals involving the rigging of Libor, Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump, Russian mirror trades, and money laundering.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 25, 2025

Numerous sailors were positioned in the 150-foot-tall Cuauhtemoc's rigging when it smashed into the iconic bridge linking New York's Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs.

From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025

More sponges hung down from each boat’s rigging.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler