noun

ramp

noun

A sloped surface connecting two different levels, allowing movement between them without steps.

"The wheelchair ramp let her enter the building without using the stairs."

"Take the next ramp to merge onto the motorway."

verb

To increase something steadily, or to build up quickly (often "ramp up").

"The factory is ramping up production ahead of the holiday season."

"Prices have ramped up sharply over the past few months."

How to Use Ramp

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA sloped connector between two levels, or (as a verb) to increase or build up quickly.

Common mistake

In British slang, "ramp" can also mean a scam or con — context makes the meaning clear.

Common pairings

ramp up wheelchair ramp exit ramp

ramped past tense, ramps plural, ramps plural, Ramps plural, ramps singular

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The wheelchair _____ let her enter the building without using the stairs.

From French rampe, related to ramper, "to crawl or climb" — the same root that gives us "rampant."

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