rigged; rigging
rigged; rigging
1
: to manipulate or control usually by deceptive or dishonest means
rig an election
2
: to fix in advance for a desired result
rig the contest
Examples of rig in a Sentence
Verb (1)
carefully rigged each diver with the required equipment before starting out
Noun
He drives a big rig.
the rig of a schooner
Recent Examples on the Web
Ben Coxworth
july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025
In the exclusive clip of The Wild Ones' run-in with the Gobi bear, the team eagerly watches camera trap footage from rigs set up in rugged, remote areas with evidence of bear activity.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 11 July 2025
Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025
Fans wondered why the islanders themselves were given so much power to rig the stakes this year as opposed to the show’s typical mechanism, where the girls pick a boy to couple up with (or vice versa), leaving a handful of people single and in danger of being dumped.
—Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rig
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Noun
The whole stainless steel rig measures 102 mm long by 27 mm wide by 10 mm thick (4 by 1.06 by 0.39 in), and is claimed to tip the scales at 105.5 g (3.7 oz).
—Ben Coxworth
july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025
In the exclusive clip of The Wild Ones' run-in with the Gobi bear, the team eagerly watches camera trap footage from rigs set up in rugged, remote areas with evidence of bear activity.
—Kelli Bender, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
When her new unit was installed, blogger Ashley Goldman asked the installer to rig a pump to an attractive urn-style rain barrel 30 feet away with underground copper piping.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 July 2025
Fans wondered why the islanders themselves were given so much power to rig the stakes this year as opposed to the show’s typical mechanism, where the girls pick a boy to couple up with (or vice versa), leaving a handful of people single and in danger of being dumped.
—Rebecca Jennings, Vulture, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rig
Cite this Entry
“Rig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rig. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rig
1 of 3 verb
rigged; rigging
1
: to fit out (as a ship) with rigging
2
: clothe sense 1a, dress
—usually used with out
rigger
noun
rig
2 of 3 noun1
: the shape, number, and arrangement of sails and masts of a ship that sets it apart from ships of other types
the rig of a schooner
2
: equipage sense 2
especially
: a carriage with its horse
3
4
: tackle, equipment, or machinery fitted for a certain purpose
an oil-drilling rig
rig
3 of 3 verb
rigged; rigging
: to fix in advance so that the outcome will be known
rig an election
Etymology
Verb
Middle English riggen "to fit out a ship with rigging"
Verb
from earlier rig (noun) "a cheating trick," of unknown origin
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