/ ˈrɪpl; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a small wave on the surface of a liquid, especially water in a lake, etc. :
The air was so still that there was hardly a ripple on the pond's surface.
2.
a thing that looks or moves like a small wave :
ripples of sand
3.
[ usually sing. ] ripple of sth a sound that gradually becomes louder and then quieter again :
a ripple of applause / laughter
4.
[ usually sing. ] ripple of sth a feeling that gradually spreads through a person or group of people :
A ripple of fear passed through him.
The announcement sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd.
■ verb
1.
to move or to make sth move in very small waves :
[ v ]
The sea rippled and sparkled.
rippling muscles
[ vn ]
The wind rippled the wheat in the fields.
2.
[ v + adv. / prep. ] ( of a feeling, etc. ) to spread through a person or a group of people like a wave :
A gasp rippled through the crowd.
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WORD ORIGIN
late 17th cent. (as a verb): of unknown origin.