1. a cord that is pulled to open a parachute
2. a cord that when pulled releases or activates something

Examples

• The skydiver pulled the ripcord at 3,000 feet.
• She grabbed the ripcord but hesitated before jumping.
• The parachute failed to open when he pulled the ripcord.
• Emergency procedures require pulling the backup ripcord if the main one fails.
• The life raft inflated automatically when the ripcord was pulled.
• He checked his ripcord three times before the jump.
• The instructor showed us how to locate and pull the ripcord.