rig

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/rɪɡ/
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Setting equipment in place and dishonestly fixing results sit beside noun uses for specialized gear, sail arrangements, large trucks, and informal outfits.
Practice using rig in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • Fans accused the league of rigging the final match.
  • A big rig stopped at the weigh station.
  • The fishing rig used a sinker and two hooks.
  • The investigation found that officials had rigged the election.
  • The actor changed into a butler's rig for the scene.

Similar words

skew
assemble
tackle
doctor
tamper with
costume
machinery
big rig
mastwork
install

Meanings

Dishonestly fix a result

verb
politics
neutral
To arrange a vote, game, market, contest, or process dishonestly so the result favors someone.

Examples

  • The investigation found that officials had rigged the election.
  • The cartel rigged prices to keep profits high.
  • A commission checked that the lottery was not rigged.
  • The manager tried to rig the hiring process for a friend.
  • Fans accused the league of rigging the final match.

Similar words

fix
manipulate
tamper with
doctor
skew
falsify

Set equipment in place

verb
technical
neutral
To fit, fasten, or set equipment in place so it is ready to work, often with sails, lights, machines, or temporary gear.

Examples

  • Technicians rigged the lights before the concert.
  • The sailors rigged the boat with a new square sail.
  • They rigged up a shelter from tarps and rope.
  • Engineers rigged a sensor to monitor the engine.
  • The camera was rigged to a remote trigger.

Similar words

set up
equip
fit
install
fasten
assemble

Specialized equipment setup

noun
technology
neutral
A set of equipment, machinery, or components built or fitted for a specific job, from drilling and fishing to gaming and radio.

Examples

  • He built a powerful gaming rig for streaming.
  • The company moved a drilling rig into the field.
  • Her camera rig holds two lights and a monitor.
  • The fishing rig used a sinker and two hooks.
  • The operator checked the radio rig before the storm.

Similar words

setup
apparatus
equipment
gear
machinery
system

Arrangement of sails and masts

noun
sailing
neutral
The pattern of a vessel's masts, sails, ropes, and spars that determines how it is sailed.

Examples

  • The schooner's rig carried several fore-and-aft sails.
  • A balanced rig helps the boat steer smoothly.
  • The museum displayed the rig of a nineteenth-century brig.
  • The crew adjusted the rig for stronger wind.
  • Each sailing rig suits a different hull and route.

Similar words

sail plan
rigging
sail arrangement
tackle
mastwork

Large truck

noun
transport
informal
A large truck, especially a tractor-trailer or other heavy combination vehicle, mainly in North American English.

Examples

  • The rig hauled produce across three states.
  • A big rig stopped at the weigh station.
  • The driver backed the rig into the loading bay.
  • Snow forced several rigs to pull off the highway.
  • The company added ten new rigs to its fleet.

Similar words

truck
tractor-trailer
semitrailer
lorry
big rig
hauler

Distinctive outfit

noun
fashion
informal
A set of clothes or an outfit, often one chosen for a job, costume, or distinctive look.

Examples

  • He arrived in a cowboy rig with polished boots.
  • Her festival rig included glitter, goggles, and a jacket.
  • The actor changed into a butler's rig for the scene.
  • That rain rig will keep you dry on the trail.
  • They laughed at his old fishing rig and floppy hat.

Similar words

outfit
costume
getup
clothes
dress
attire

Etymology

The equipment and sailing senses go back to late Middle English nautical use, probably from Scandinavian forms such as Norwegian rigga, meaning to bind or wrap up. The dishonest verb developed later from an older noun meaning a trick or swindle.

FAQ

What does rig mean in an election?

To rig an election is to manipulate the voting or counting dishonestly so a chosen result is more likely.

What is a gaming rig?

A gaming rig is a computer setup built or configured for playing games, usually with strong graphics hardware.

How is rig used in sailing?

In sailing, a rig is the arrangement of masts, sails, ropes, and spars on a vessel.

Is rigged the correct past tense?

Yes. The past tense and past participle are rigged, with a doubled g.

What does big rig mean?

A big rig is a large truck, especially a tractor-trailer used for hauling freight in North American English.

Can rig mean an outfit?

Yes. Informally, a rig can be a distinctive set of clothes or a costume-like outfit.

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