ripen

verb

rip·​en ˈrī-pən 

ˈrī-pᵊm

ripened; ripening ˈrī-pə-niŋ 

ˈrīp-niŋ

intransitive verb

: to grow or become ripe

transitive verb

1

: to make ripe

2

a

: to bring to completeness or perfection

b

: to age or cure (cheese) to develop characteristic flavor, odor, body, texture, and color

c

: to improve flavor and tenderness of (beef or game) by aging under refrigeration

ripener

ˈrī-pə-nər 

ˈrīp-nər

noun

Synonyms

• grow
• progress

Examples of ripen in a Sentence

The tomatoes finished ripening on the windowsill.

You can ripen the fruit by placing it in a paper bag and storing it at room temperature for a few days.

Recent Examples on the Web

The warm days help ripen the grapes, while cool nights preserve acidity and freshness. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Then, increasing temperatures can ripen the fruit quickly which can make an already short growing season shorter and less predictable. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025

This method slows down the release of ethylene gas, which is responsible for ripening fruits. —Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 13 June 2025

Apricots are set to ripen from late June through mid-July. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 11 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

ripen

verb

rip·​en ˈrī-pən 

ripened; ripening ˈrīp-(ə-)niŋ 

: to make or become ripe