1. descending a steep surface (such as a cliff or building) by sliding down a rope while controlling the descent with special equipment
Usage: mountaineering; present participle of rappel

Examples

• The rescue team was rappelling down the cliff face to reach the stranded hikers.
• She spent the weekend rappelling off the canyon walls with her climbing group.
• The soldiers practiced rappelling from helicopters during their training exercise.
• After rappelling 200 feet, they finally reached the bottom of the gorge.
• The firefighters were rappelling down the side of the burning building.
• He checked his harness twice before rappelling into the cave.