Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small wave or series of waves on the surface of a liquid: A gentle, undulating motion or pattern formed on water or another fluid.

Usage

The noun "rippling" refers to the visual effect or pattern created by small waves. It is often used to describe a calm, gentle disturbance on a liquid's surface, such as that caused by a light wind, a dropped pebble, or a moving object. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a similar wavelike pattern or movement in other materials or contexts.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The only disturbance on the pond was the gentle rippling caused by the breeze.
  • He watched the rippling of the water as the boat moved slowly away from the dock.
  • The fabric had a subtle rippling effect across its surface.

Advanced Usage

• "to set off rippling": to cause a series of consequences or reactions.
  • The new policy set off a rippling of changes throughout the organization. (This is a metaphorical extension, comparing effects to waves spreading out.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ripple (noun): A small wave or series of waves on the surface of water.
  • A single ripple spread out from where the stone fell.
• Ripple (verb): To form or cause to form small waves.
  • The wind rippled the surface of the lake.
• Ripply (adjective): Having ripples; wavy.
  • The ripply texture of the sand.

Synonyms

• Wavelet: A small wave.
• Undulation: A smooth, wavelike motion or form.

Related Phrases

• Ripple effect: The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
  • The scandal had a significant ripple effect across the industry.

Noun

1. a small wave on the surface of a liquid