rappel

verb

rap·​pel rə-ˈpel How to pronounce rappel (audio)
ra-
rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling

intransitive verb

: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope passed under one thigh, across the body, and over the opposite shoulder or through a special friction device
rappel noun

Examples of rappel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rescuers rappelled down from the aircraft, put harnesses on the boy and his father and hoisted them up. Nicole Brown Chau, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2025 The primary rescuer from the team then rappelled down to the victim’s location, secured him with a harness, and he was lifted out of the shaft to safety. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025 Using ropes, the teens rappelled approximately 40-50 feet into the mine. Sam Gillette, People.com, 19 Feb. 2025 Using household ropes, the three youths rappelled about 40–50 feet down a vertical shaft. Greg Wehner, Fox News, 17 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rappel

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, recall, from Old French rapel, from rapeler to recall, from re- + apeler to appeal, call — more at appeal

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rappel was in 1944

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rappel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rappel. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

rappel

verb
rap·​pel rə-ˈpel How to pronounce rappel (audio)
ra-
rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling
: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!