What does "ripper" mean?
Something that rips something else.
Ripper
/ˈɹɪpə/ adj, name, noun, slang
adj, name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Something that rips something else.
- Grammar: ripper is listed as adj, name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: butcher, great thing, killer, marvel.
- Useful contrasts: binder, dud, flop.
- Usage evidence: As Jack the Ripper would say, let's go by parts.
How to use "ripper"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ripper" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ripper" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ripper" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ripper" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ripper" is acting as adj, name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "butcher" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "ripper", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something that rips something else.
- 2 One who brings fish from the seacoast to markets in inland towns. obsolete
"But what's the action we are for now? Robbing a ripper of his fish."
- 3 a murderer who slashes the victims with a knife wordnet
- 4 Someone who rips something.
- 5 A legislative bill or act that transfers powers of appointment from the usual holders to a chief executive or a board of officials.
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 A murderer who kills and often mutilates victims with a blade or similar sharp weapon.
"Jack the Ripper"
- 7 A hook-like tool used to tear away ore, rock, etc.
- 8 A person employed to tear away ore, rock, etc. to make a passage for material to be carried to the surface.
- 9 Something that is an excellent example of its kind. Australia, British, slang
"He [Rafael Nadal] didn't convert that but gained the advantage and launched another ripper of a forehand to force the error from Tsitsipas on the volley. (Thurston, E. November 15, 2019, Rafael Nadal digs deep to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas at ATP Finals. Sky UK https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/11862011/rafael-nadal-digs-deep-to-beat-stefanos-tsitsipas-at-atp-finals accessed August 29, 2020)"
- 10 Software that extracts content from files or storage media.
- 11 A tool or plant used to reduce soil compaction.
- 12 A hot dog deep-fried in oil until the casing bursts. New-Jersey, US, slang
- 13 A foghorn.
Adjective
- 1 Very good; excellent; fantastic. Australia, British, not-comparable, slang
"2019 Kobe Howard, Coaches Wrap Brisbane Lions, 30 April 2019. Accessed 6 May 2019. Not only did Lachie Neale have another stand out game with 28 disposals and a ripper goal from outside 50, but Lions debutant Noah Answerth slotted in nicely picking up 5 intercept marks."
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"As Jack the Ripper would say, let's go by parts."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ripper"?
Common synonyms include: butcher, great thing, killer, marvel, murderer, rip saw.
How do you use "ripper" in a sentence?
As Jack the Ripper would say, let's go by parts.
How do you pronounce "ripper"?
Pronounced /ˈɹɪpə/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From rip + -er; originated 1605–15.
Etymology 2
Compare rip (“a basket”), or riparian (“relating to a river bank”).
Etymology 3
* As an English surname, from Middle English ripier (“basket”), from Old Norse hrip, from Proto-Germanic *hrepaz, from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to bend”). * As a Scottish surname, from Middle English reper (“reaper, harvester”) (modern reaper). * As a German surname, variant of Ripp.