# ripple

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɹɪp(ə)l/ · frequency rank #17,020

## Definitions
1. A moving disturbance, or undulation, in the surface of a fluid.
2. One of a series of corrugations in flat surface.
3. A sound similar to that of undulating water.
4. A style of ice cream in which flavors have been coarsely blended together.
5. A small oscillation of an otherwise steady signal.
6. A small spreading change, impact, or effect produced by a larger or more consequential action.

## Etymology
From an alteration of rimple.

## Easily confused with
- **ripe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ripe-vs-ripple)
- **rifle** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rifle-vs-ripple)
- **ripped** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ripped-vs-ripple)
- **riddle** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riddle-vs-ripple)
- **Ripley** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ripley-vs-ripple)
- **ripper** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ripper-vs-ripple)

## Common misspellings (7)
`irpple`, `riple`, `riplpe`, `rippel`, `ripplle`, `rpiple`, `rripple`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ripple