Ripple  —n. 1 ruffling of the water's surface, small wave or waves. 2 gentle lively sound, e.g. Of laughter or applause. 3 wavy appearance in hair, material, etc. 4 slight variation in the strength of a current etc. 5 ice-cream with veins of syrup (raspberry ripple). —v. (-ling) 1 (cause to) form or flow in ripples. 2 show or sound like ripples.  ripply adj. [origin unknown]