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 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> b : smelly, stinking
6 : ruddy, plump, or full like ripened fruit <a ripe figure>
7 : indecent <ripe language>

— ripe·ly adverb

— ripe·ness noun