Definition

1. Noun:

   • A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water: A slight, gentle, and often repeated movement or pattern of movement.
   • A sound resembling such a wave: A gentle, flowing sound that rises and falls, like water or quiet conversation.
   • (Electronics) An oscillation of small amplitude imposed on top of a steady value: A small, regular variation in an electrical signal or current.

2. Verb:

   • To form or cause to form small waves on the surface: To move in small, gentle waves or to cause something (like water or fabric) to do so.
   • To flow with a light, bubbling, or murmuring sound: To make a soft, continuous sound.
   • To spread or pass through something in a gentle, wave-like manner: To move or be communicated gradually and subtly.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He threw a stone into the pond, creating a series of ripples.
  • A ripple of laughter spread through the audience.
  • The engineer measured the voltage ripple in the power supply.

• Verb:

  • The breeze rippled the surface of the lake.
  • The stream rippled over the stones.
  • News of the discovery rippled through the scientific community.

Advanced Usage

• "Ripple effect": The continuing and spreading results of an event or action, like waves from a stone thrown in water.

  • The factory closure had a ripple effect on the entire town's economy.

• "To send/cause ripples": To create a series of consequences or reactions.

  • The new policy sent ripples of concern through the industry.

Variants and Related Words

• Ripply (adj): Having ripples; wavy.
  • The ripply surface of the sand after the tide went out.

Synonyms

• Noun: Wavelet, undulation, wrinkle, murmur, babble.
• Verb: Undulate, wave, purl, babble, murmur.

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(Note: "Ripple" is not commonly used in standard phrasal verb constructions. Its verbal use is typically transitive or intransitive as shown above.)

Related Idioms

• "Make waves": While not containing "ripple," this idiom is conceptually similar to causing a significant ripple effect, meaning to cause trouble or create a significant impact.
  • She's not afraid to make waves to get what she wants.

Noun

1. (electronics) an oscillation of small amplitude imposed on top of a steady value
2. a small wave on the surface of a liquid

Verb

1. flow in an irregular current with a bubbling noise
   • babbling brooks
2. stir up (water) so as to form ripples