ripen

verb

rip·​en ˈrī-pən 

ˈrī-pᵊm

ripened; ripening ˈrī-pə-niŋ 

ˈrīp-niŋ

intransitive verb

: to grow or become ripe

fruits ripening on the tree

transitive verb

1

: to make ripe

You can ripen fruit faster by putting it in a paper bag.

2

a

: to bring to completeness or perfection

… the progress of time would rather increase and ripen their prosperity …

—Nathaniel Hawthorne

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 of ripen

• 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 skin ripens to bright yellow with green stripes, and the flesh has a pink hue. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026

Richard Crowe, who gardens in Beaumont, has a pomegranate tree that has recently ripened 400 fruit. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026

Peppers An early start indoors is a must for peppers to begin ripening by mid-summer. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Jan. 2026

The fruit ripens reliably, which leads to wines that feel generous and fruit driven without being jammy. —Emily Price, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

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