rig up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “rig up” mean?
To assemble, construct, or set up something quickly, often in a makeshift or improvised way, using available materials.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To assemble, construct, or set up something quickly, often in a makeshift or improvised way, using available materials.
To arrange or organize something in a temporary, often ingenious manner; to provide with necessary but non-standard equipment; to contrive a solution with limited resources. It can also refer to devising a scheme or trick (often rig something up).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage; common and understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Both share connotations of improvisation and temporary setup.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “rig up” in a Sentence
[Subject] rig up [Object][Subject] rig [Object] uprig up [Object] from/with [Material]rig up [Object] for [Purpose]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rig up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We can rig up a tarpaulin for shelter if it rains.
- He rigged up a brilliant device for feeding the cat while they were away.
- They rigged the speakers up in the garden for the party.
American English
- Let's rig up a temporary office in the garage.
- We rigged a shower up behind the cabin using a hose and bucket.
- Can you help me rig this projector up before the meeting?
adverb
British English
- Not applicable for this phrasal verb.
American English
- Not applicable for this phrasal verb.
adjective
British English
- This is just a rig-up solution; we'll replace it next week.
- It was a clever, rig-up antenna that got the signal.
American English
- The plumbing was a real rig-up job, but it worked.
- We slept in a rig-up bunkbed made from pallets.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare in formal business; used informally for quickly creating a temporary process or workspace. 'We'll have to rig up a temporary hot-desking area until the renovations are done.'
Academic
Uncommon. May appear in historical or technical descriptions of improvised solutions.
Everyday
Common for describing DIY fixes, camping setups, or temporary arrangements at home. 'I rigged up a clothesline between these two trees.'
Technical
Used in engineering, theatre, events, and fieldwork to describe temporary installations. 'The crew rigged up a pulley system to lift the equipment.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rig up”
- Using it for permanent installations ('They rigged up the central heating system' – sounds temporary/improvised).
- Confusing with 'rig out' (to dress).
- Incorrect particle: 'rig on' or 'rig in' instead of 'rig up'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Set up' is more general and neutral. 'Rig up' specifically implies a temporary, improvised, and often clever assembly using whatever is available.
Yes, but less commonly. It can be used metaphorically, e.g., 'They rigged up a last-minute agreement.' It often retains the sense of being makeshift or hastily arranged.
It is informal or colloquial. In formal writing, words like 'assemble', 'install', 'construct', or 'improvise' would be preferred depending on the context.
Not inherently negative. It often connotes resourcefulness and ingenuity. However, it can imply a lack of safety, permanence, or proper standards if used in a critical context (e.g., 'The wiring was just rigged up and very dangerous').
To assemble, construct, or set up something quickly, often in a makeshift or improvised way, using available materials.
Rig up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌrɪɡ ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɪɡ ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “jury-rig (related nautical term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a sailor on a RIG (a ship) needing to quickly 'up' (raise/assemble) a temporary mast or sail using whatever is at hand. Rig it UP fast!
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSTRUCTING IS IMPROVISING (often under constraint). THE WORLD IS A SET OF SPARE PARTS TO BE ASSEMBLED.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following situations BEST illustrates the meaning of 'rig up'?