Ripper

Pronunciation

• British IPA: /ˈrɪpÉ™/
• US enPR: rÄ­pʹər, IPA: /ˈrɪpÉš/
• Rhymes: -ɪpÉ™(r)

rip + -er; originated 1605–15.

Full definition of ripper

Noun

1. Something that rips (something else).
2. Someone who rips (something).
3. A legislative bill or act that transfers powers of appointment from the usual holders to a chief executive or a board of officials.
4. A murderer who kills and often mutilates victims with a blade or similar sharp weapon.
5. (mining) A hook-like tool used to tear away ore, rock, etc.
6. (British, AU, slang) Something that is an excellent example of its kind.
• 2001, Filton Hebbard, Memories of Kalgoorlie: Tales from the Australian Outback (page 334)Martin walked around the vehicle, viewing it from all angles and giggling as he did so. “She's a ripper, Bert, a real ripper!”
7. (computing) Software that extracts content from files or storage media.
8. (agriculture) A tool or plant used to reduce soil compaction.

Derived terms

• radish ripper

Compare rip ("a basket"), or riparian ("relating to a river bank").

Alternative forms

• ripler

Noun

1. (obsolete) One who brings fish from the seacoast to markets in inland towns.
• Beaumont and FletcherBut what's the action we are for now? Robbing a ripper of his fish.