Main Entry: ¹rib·bon

Pronunciation: \ˈri-bən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English riban, from Anglo-French ribane, rubane

Date: 14th century

1 a : a flat or tubular narrow closely woven fabric (as of silk or rayon) used for trimmings or knitting b : a narrow fabric used for tying packages c : a piece of usually multicolored ribbon worn as a military decoration or in place of a medal d : a strip of colored satin given for winning a place in a competition
2 : a strip of inked fabric (as in a typewriter)
3 plural : reins for controlling an animal
4 : tatter, shred —usually used in plural <a sheet cut to ribbons>
5 : ribband

— rib·bon·like \-ˌlīk\ adjective