ripper
ripper Lexical Profile
ripper Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A tool, machine, or person that rips, tears, or cuts something apart, such as a seam ripper used in sewing or a heavy claw attachment used to break up hard ground or rock.
"The tailor used a small seam ripper to carefully remove the stitching from the hem."
A murderer who mutilates or slashes victims with a knife or sharp blade.
"The historical tour in East London examined the Victorian police investigation into the infamous ripper."
Australian Someone or something that is particularly impressive, exciting, or excellent.
"That last match of the tournament was an absolute ripper from start to finish."
• adjective
Australian Excellent, outstanding, or first-rate (used colloquially in Australian and New Zealand English).
"The local bakery makes a ripper meat pie that draws crowds every weekend."
• Rhymes for ripper
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from the verb 'rip' plus the agent suffix '-er'. Its sense of a brutal murderer was popularized by the notorious unidentified London serial killer known as Jack the Ripper in 1888.