First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1ramp
verb \ˈramp\
Definition of RAMP
intransitive verb
1
a : to stand or advance menacingly with forelegs or with arms raised b : to move or act furiously
2
: to creep up —used especially of plants
3
: to speed up, expand, or increase especially quickly or at a constant rate —used with up <ramping up to full speed>
transitive verb
[4ramp (electrical waveform)] : to increase, expand, or decrease especially quickly or at a constant rate —usually used with up or down <ramp up production>
See ramp defined for English-language learners
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Origin of RAMP
Middle English, from Anglo-French ramper to crawl, climb, rear, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rimpfan to bend, wrinkle — more at rumple
2ramp
noun
3ramp
noun
Definition of RAMP
: any of various alliums used for food
Origin of RAMP
back-formation from ramps, alteration of rams, from Middle English, from Old English hramsa; akin to Old High German ramusia ramp, Greek krommyon onion
First Known Use: 1826
4ramp
noun
Definition of RAMP
1
: a sloping way or plane: as a : a sloping floor, walk, or roadway leading from one level to another b : a slope for launching boats
2
: apron 2h
Origin of RAMP
French rampe, from ramper, from Middle French
First Known Use: 1779
Other Civil Engineering Terms
RAMPING Defined for Kids
ramp
noun \ˈramp\
Definition of RAMP for Kids
: a sloping passage or roadway connecting different levels <a highway exit ramp>
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