1
a
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility
rigid price controls
a rigid bar of metal
b
: appearing stiff and unyielding
his face rigid with pain
2
a
: inflexibly set in opinion
b
: strictly observed
adheres to a rigid schedule
3
: firmly inflexible rather than lax or indulgent
a rigid disciplinarian
4
: precise and accurate in procedure
rigid control of the manufacturing process
5
of an airship
: having the outer shape maintained by a fixed framework
rigidly
adverb
rigidness
noun
Synonyms
Examples of rigid in a Sentence
The patient's legs were rigid.
He is a rigid disciplinarian.
Recent Examples on the Web
This adaptability means you’re not locked into a rigid method.
—
Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Together, the observations point to a rigid, mostly solid interior beneath Io’s surface, rather than a global magma ocean — solving a 45-year mystery started by Voyager 1’s observations.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
The stretchy fabric is especially useful for avoiding the unpleasant sensation of rigid materials digging into your skin while sitting for long periods of time, and it’s even earned more than 36,300 five-star ratings — a testament to its flattering and comfy fit.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024
The recycled cotton can be used in both warp and weft for rigid fabrications.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rigid 
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Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
Together, the observations point to a rigid, mostly solid interior beneath Io’s surface, rather than a global magma ocean — solving a 45-year mystery started by Voyager 1’s observations.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 Dec. 2024
The stretchy fabric is especially useful for avoiding the unpleasant sensation of rigid materials digging into your skin while sitting for long periods of time, and it’s even earned more than 36,300 five-star ratings — a testament to its flattering and comfy fit.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Dec. 2024
The recycled cotton can be used in both warp and weft for rigid fabrications.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for rigid
Dictionary Entries Near rigid
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigid. Accessed 28 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rigid
adjective
rig·id
ˈrij-əd 
2
a
: very fixed in one's opinion or habits : unyielding
b
: carefully observed : scrupulous
follows a rigid exercise program
3
: exact and accurate in procedure
rigidity
noun
rə-ˈjid-ət-ē
rigidly
adverb
ˈrij-əd-lē
rigidness
noun
Etymology
from Latin rigidus, "rigid," from rigēre "to be stiff" — related to rigor mortis
Medical Definition
rigid
adjective
rig·id
ˈrij-əd
: deficient in or devoid of flexibility : characterized by stiffness
rigid muscles
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