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Definition of ripple noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ripple

noun
 
/ˈrɪpl/
 
/ˈrɪpl/
Idioms
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  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.
    Extra Examples
    • He watched the ripples spread across the pool.
    • I dropped the pebble in the water, sending ripples across the pond.
    • The sinking pebble had sent ripples across the surface of the lake.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • little
    • slight
    • small
    verb + ripple
    • cause
    • set off
    • create
    ripple + verb
    • pass through somebody/​something
    • run through somebody/​something
    • spread across something
    ripple + noun
    • effect
    preposition
    • ripple of
    See full entry
  2. a thing that looks or moves like a small wave
    • ripples of sand
  3. [usually singular] ripple of something a sound that gradually becomes louder and then quieter again
    • a ripple of applause/laughter
    • His remarks sent a ripple of laughter through the audience.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • little
    • slight
    • small
    verb + ripple
    • cause
    • set off
    • create
    ripple + verb
    • pass through somebody/​something
    • run through somebody/​something
    • spread across something
    ripple + noun
    • effect
    preposition
    • ripple of
    See full entry
  4. [usually singular] ripple of something 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.
    • Her visit caused no more than a ripple of interest.
    Extra Examples
    • He felt a small ripple of fear pass through him.
    • His remarks caused a ripple of protest.
    • The decision caused ripples of concern among the parents.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • little
    • slight
    • small
    verb + ripple
    • cause
    • set off
    • create
    ripple + verb
    • pass through somebody/​something
    • run through somebody/​something
    • spread across something
    ripple + noun
    • effect
    preposition
    • ripple of
    See full entry
  5. Word Originlate 17th cent. (as a verb): of unknown origin.
Idioms
create/make ripples | create/make a ripple
  1. to be noticed and have an impact
    • It's a film that promises to create ripples.
    • The debate has barely made a ripple here.
See ripple in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
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noun
 
 
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