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
Examples of rigid in a Sentence
The patient's legs were rigid.
He is a rigid disciplinarian.
Recent Examples on the Web
Candidates overly focused on titles, rigid job descriptions, or chain of command may struggle in a fast-changing environment.
—
Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Instead, contemporary feminist and critical theories have expanded our understanding of vision and representation, moving beyond rigid categories to embrace fluidity, intersectionality, and self-definition.
—Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
The work might have rigid scales for evaluating one’s depression symptoms, but its framework can be applied flexibly.
—Keyaira Boone, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Plant it in containers or beds with rigid borders, and check frequently for any escapees.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
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Abdo Riani, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Instead, contemporary feminist and critical theories have expanded our understanding of vision and representation, moving beyond rigid categories to embrace fluidity, intersectionality, and self-definition.
—Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
The work might have rigid scales for evaluating one’s depression symptoms, but its framework can be applied flexibly.
—Keyaira Boone, Essence, 18 Mar. 2025
Plant it in containers or beds with rigid borders, and check frequently for any escapees.
—Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rigid
Cite this Entry
“Rigid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigid. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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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