ribbon

¹rib·bon

noun \ˈri-bən\

Definition of RIBBON

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

Examples of RIBBON

1. She wore pink ribbons in her hair.
2. She tied a ribbon around the present.
3. The present was tied with ribbon.
4. The soldier proudly wore his ribbons and medals.
5. Her pie won a ribbon at the county fair.

Origin of RIBBON

Middle English riban, from Anglo-French ribane, rubane

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to RIBBON

Synonyms

list, strip, slip

Related Words

slat; band, bandage, belt, binding, girth, strap, swatch, swath (or swathe), tape

Rhymes with RIBBON

gibbon, Gibbon

²ribbon

transitive verb

Definition of RIBBON

1

a : to adorn with ribbons

b : to divide into ribbons

c : to cover with or as if with ribbons

2

: to rip to shreds

Examples of RIBBON

1. <over the years the historic flag had become badly ribboned by the wind>

First Known Use of RIBBON

1716

Related to RIBBON

Synonyms

rend, tear, rip, rive, shred, tatter

Related Words

break, cleave, rupture, split; cut, gash, incise, lacerate, slash; butcher, dismember, dissect, hack, mangle