riprap

1 of 2

noun

rip·​rap ˈrip-ˌrap 

1

: a foundation or sustaining wall of stones or chunks of concrete thrown together without order (as in deep water)

also : a layer of this or similar material on an embankment slope to prevent erosion

2

: material used for riprap

riprap

2 of 2

verb

riprapped; riprapping; ripraps

transitive verb

1

: to form a riprap in or upon

2

: to strengthen or support with a riprap

Examples of riprap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Its anthology of New York’s 520 miles of varied shoreline — sandy beach, spongy wetland, wave-diffusing riprap, elevated piers — can mitigate floods and, equally important, survive them. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 3 July 2024

Part of shoreline protection could involve laying out riprap — stacks of large rocks to absorb the shock from the water — along A.B. Ford Park in an area where the seawall is compromised, Johnson said. —Dana Afana, Detroit Free Press, 16 Oct. 2024

Verb

Crank rocks and riprap for staging bass. —Steve Price, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

obsolete riprap sound of rapping

First Known Use

Noun

1822, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1837, in the meaning defined at sense 1