rappel

verb

rap·​pel rə-ˈpel How to pronounce rappel (audio)
ra-
rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling

intransitive verb

: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope passed under one thigh, across the body, and over the opposite shoulder or through a special friction device
rappel noun

Examples of rappel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Search and rescue was called in to help rappel the women from the narrow ledges. — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 18 June 2026 In the footage, a firefighter can be seen rappelling down a cliff to reach the woman, while other firefighters secure the rope cables at the top of the cliff. — Yi-Jin Yu, ABC News, 27 Mar. 2026 On the night of the raid, Caceres and Rojas were awakened by the sounds of a helicopter and saw agents rappelling down onto the building. — Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 2026 The French president also shared a six-second clip, with high-intensity music laid over it, showing armed personnel rappelling onto and walking around the ship. — Reuters, NBC news, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for rappel

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, recall, from Old French rapel, from rapeler to recall, from re- + apeler to appeal, call — more at appeal

First Known Use

1944, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rappel was in 1944

Rhymes for rappel

See All Rhymes for rappel

Browse Nearby Words

rappee
rappel
rappen
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rappel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rappel. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rappel

verb
rap·​pel rə-ˈpel How to pronounce rappel (audio)
ra-
rappelled also rappeled; rappelling also rappeling
: to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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