1. A subtle thrill of excitement that one feels throughout one's body. I felt a ripple of excitement at the thought of seeing Susan again after all these years. Ripples of excitement kept fluttering through her as she waited for the plane to take off.

2. A low murmur or series of murmurs of excitement that travels through a group of people. A ripple of excitement went through the auditorium as the principal announced that the talent show would have a $500 cash prize this year. The news sent ripples of excitement around the office.

1. A low murmur or series of murmurs complaining about or protesting against something. There was a ripple of protest or two among the staff when we announced the cutbacks, but pretty much everyone recognized that the company would go under without them. News of the school's decision sent ripples of protest through the crowded auditorium

2. A small, understated, or ineffective action or series of actions in protest of something. There have been a few ripples of protest in the streets following the passing of the controversial legislation, but they were quickly quelled by police.

1. To pass through or along a body of water, casting ripples in its wake. I sat watching the snake as it rippled silently through the water. She loved rippling through the lake on her row boat as the sun rose up over the horizon.

2. To travel through a some thing, place, or group of people in a series of low murmurs or small, understated actions. The news sent excitement rippling through the office. A few pockets of protest have rippled through the streets, but the police were quick to stamp it out.

3. To pass through someone in a subtle and indistinct way. A pang of fear rippled through me as I tried to remember where I had packed my passport. Excitement was rippling through me as I waited for Sandra to come through the gates at the airport.