rip·ple / ˈripəl/ • n. 1. a small wave or series of waves on the surface of water, esp. as caused by an object dropping into it or a slight breeze. ∎  a thing resembling such a wave or series of waves in appearance or movement: the sand undulated and was ridged with ripples. ∎  a gentle rising and falling sound, esp. of laughter or conversation, that spreads through a group of people: a ripple of laughter ran around the room. ∎  a particular feeling or effect that spreads through or to someone or something: his words set off a ripple of excitement within her. ∎  Physics a wave on a fluid surface, the restoring force for which is provided by surface tension rather than gravity, and that consequently has a wavelength shorter than that corresponding to the minimum speed of propagation. ∎  Physics small periodic, usually undesirable, variations in electrical voltage superposed on a direct voltage or on an alternating voltage of lower frequency.2. a type of ice cream with wavy lines of colored flavored syrup running through it: raspberry ripple.• v. [intr.] (of water) form or flow with small waves on the surface: the Mediterranean rippled and sparkled | [as adj.] (rippling) the rippling waters. ∎  [tr.] cause (the surface of water) to form small waves: a cool wind rippled the surface of the estuary. ∎  move or cause to move in a way resembling such waves: [intr.] fields of grain rippling in the wind. ∎  [intr.] (of a sound or feeling) spread through a person, group, or place: applause rippled around the tables. ∎  [as adj.] (rippled) having the appearance of small waves: a broad noodle, rippled on both sides, wider than fettuccine.DERIVATIVES: rip·plet / ˈriplit/ n.rip·ply / ˈrip(ə)lē/ adj.