Main Entry:

ripe

Pronunciation:

\ˈrīp\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

rip·er; rip·est

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English rīpe; akin to Old English rīpan, reopan to reap

Date:

before 12th century

1: fully grown and developed : mature <ripe fruit> <ripe wheat>2: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment3: of advanced years : late <a ripe old age>4 a: suitable, appropriate <the time was ripe for the attempt> b: fully prepared : ready <the colonies were ripe for revolution>5 a: brought by aging to full flavor or the best state : mellow <ripe cheese> b: smelly, stinking6: ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit <a ripe figure>7: indecent <ripe language>

— ripe·ly adverb

— ripe·ness noun