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 500 is applied to the soil as a stimulative force in the spring in the fall and the Biodynamic 501 is applied in the spring and summer to the vine and air surrounding it to stimulate vital forces in the vine as well as enhance ripening and flavor of the grape. —Katie Kelly Bell, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025

Melons and summer squash often need more time to ripen before harvesting. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 July 2025

Once ripened, move them to the refrigerator's fruit drawer. —Hannah Coakley, Verywell Health, 21 July 2025

If the House recesses on Thursday, the measure will not ripen until after the August recess. —Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 17 July 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