ripper

noun

rip·​per ˈri-pər How to pronounce ripper (audio)
1
: one that rips
especially : a machine used to break up solid material (such as rock or ore)
2
: an excellent example or instance of its kind

Examples of ripper in a Sentence

the comedian's last routine was a real ripper, leaving the audience in those proverbial stitches
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Fritz kicked his first serve into Evans’s single-handed backhand to devastating effect, rather than just hitting his usual flat rippers. James Hansen, The Athletic, 1 Aug. 2024 Additional tools include a back box ripper for cutting tape and packaging materials and a cord cutter for light tasks. New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024 The conditions are so good, the beach is a stop in the USA Surfing’s Prime Series of competitions for rippers under 18. Graham Averill, Outside Online, 28 July 2024 Jeff and Steve prove to be the grunge Lennon/McCartney or Chilton/Bell on Redd Kross, both trading and teaming up on anthemic rippers tailored for top-down blaring. Brad Cohan, SPIN, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for ripper 

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ripper was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near ripper

Cite this Entry

“Ripper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripper. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!