riper; ripest
1
: fully grown and developed : mature
ripe fruit
ripe wheat
2
: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3
: 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
6
: ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit
a ripe figure
7
: indecent
ripe language
ripely adverb
ripeness noun

Examples of ripe in a Sentence

The apples are nearly ripe. the clothes of the field hands were sweaty and ripe after a hard day's work
Recent Examples on the Web Kirsten is a force, with heady aromas of ripe apricot, mango, and guava. Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2024 There is no problem getting ripe grapes, but the quantity can vary. Per and Britt Karlsson, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Stellenbosch, South Africa, $22 Polished and concentrated in a New World-style, this lush red blend will appeal to fans of ripe, jammy wines. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Conditions ripe for more fires are expected Saturday and Sunday. Nigel Chiwaya, NBC News, 29 Feb. 2024 Anyone levying a legitimate critique of an artist is ripe to be harassed. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2024 Harvesting ripe fruit immediately can also help prevent pests from attacking the branches and leaves. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 The exhibition includes a cluster of thematic micro-shows, all ripe for future elaboration, though sketchy here. Holland Cotter, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2024 The timing is especially ripe now, Payne pointed out, as Gen Zers are more likely to consider replacing their alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one. Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ripe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ripe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near ripe

Cite this Entry

“Ripe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripe. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ripe

adjective
riper; ripest
1
: fully grown and developed
a ripe tomato
2
: having mature knowledge, understanding, or judgment
3
: ready entry 1 sense 1
ripe for action
4
: brought to just the right state
ripely adverb
ripeness noun

Legal Definition

ripe

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or being a claim for relief that is ready for judicial resolution because the injury is certain to occur and is not merely hypothetical or speculative compare moot
2
: ready and appropriate for disclosure because reasonably determined to be valid and not required to be kept secret for business reasons
used of corporate information
ripeness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on ripe

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