ripping

1 of 2

adjective

rip·​ping ˈri-piŋ How to pronounce ripping (audio)
Synonyms of rippingnext
chiefly British
: excellent, delightful
I've had a ripping time here …—W. Somerset Maugham

ripping

2 of 2

present participle of rip entry 1

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

probably from present participle of rip entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

1776, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ripping was in 1776

Rhymes for ripping

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Browse Nearby Words

rippier
ripping
ripping bar
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Cite this Entry

“Ripping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripping. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ripping

adjective
rip·​ping
ˈrip-iŋ
chiefly British
: very good
had a ripping time

More from Merriam-Webster on ripping

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for ripping

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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