ribbon

noun

rib·bon | \ ˈri-bən

Definition of ribbon

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a flat or tubular narrow closely woven fabric (as of silk or rayon) used for trimmings or knitting

b : a narrow fabric used for tying packages

c : a piece of usually multicolored ribbon worn as a military decoration or in place of a medal

d : a strip of colored satin given for winning a place in a competition

2 : a strip of inked fabric (as in a typewriter)

3 ribbons plural : reins for controlling an animal

4 : tatter, shred —usually used in plural a sheet cut to ribbons

5 : ribband

ribbon

verb

ribboned; ribboning; ribbons

Definition of ribbon (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1a : to adorn with ribbons

b : to divide into ribbons

c : to cover with or as if with ribbons

2 : to rip to shreds

Other Words from ribbon Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about ribbon

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Synonyms for ribbon

Synonyms: Noun

list, slip, strip

Synonyms: Verb

rend, rip, rive, shred, tatter, tear

Examples of ribbon in a Sentence

Noun

She wore pink ribbons in her hair. She tied a ribbon around the present. The present was tied with ribbon. The soldier proudly wore his ribbons and medals. Her pie won a ribbon at the county fair.

Verb

over the years the historic flag had become badly ribboned by the wind

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Under a 2015 government policy, companies can't plant new oil palms in 50-meter-wide ribbons along rivers in their plantations; the idea is to start to give these zones back to nature. — Dyna Rochmyaningsih, Science | AAAS, "Courting controversy, scientists team with industry to tackle one of the world’s most destructive crops," 11 July 2019 With Ava’s help, Ari shook a tiny maraca, played a hand drum, held tight to some colorful ribbons and reached high over her head to grab a small green tambourine. — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Music therapy brings unity, hope to family with child on hospice," 10 July 2019 The stainless steel exterior of what looks like a vintage Airstream trailer serves as the entrance to a bedroom decorated with a pink leather riding saddle, colorful satin award ribbons and walls of Polaroid snapshots. — Bonnie Mccarthy, latimes.com, "We went behind the scenes of the new ‘Big Brother’ house in Studio City," 6 July 2019 This metal piece is also striking when used seasonally; for example, in fall in a container with gourds, squash and fall foliage, or in winter with greens/stems/cones and holiday ribbons. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Colorful, whimsical or classic, yard art can enhance your garden’s overall appeal," 3 July 2019 The horse, Uiver, and his rider and owner, Terri Rocovich, earned international recognition recently by winning ribbons in Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special competitions. — Ramona Sentinel, "Horsewoman is a showstopper with award-winning Uiver," 30 June 2019 Outside the police department and City Hall, residents have put up flowers and black ribbons. — Christina Maxouris, CNN, "A Texas police officer was his department's first officer killed in the line of duty in more than 40 years," 22 June 2019 The new ribbon boards will be a little longer and accommodate more stats. — Scott Wartman, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati Reds want a new scoreboard. Hamilton County commissioners will vote on whether to help buy one.," 19 June 2019 The inside on the lining is going to have cancer awareness ribbons for cancer awareness. — Kaelen Jones, SI.com, "'Just the Beginning': Coby White Is Ready to Prove Himself in the NBA," 18 June 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

For decades, the viaduct provided shelter to homeless people below, who lived underneath decks of asphalt and steel that ribboned along the Puget Sound. — Vianna Davila, The Seattle Times, "As the Alaskan Way Viaduct comes down, so does a longtime shelter for Seattle’s homeless," 13 Jan. 2019 One of the original highways in the U.S. highway system, Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, totaling in 2,448 miles of ribboning highway. — Lydia Culp, Fox News, "Best US road trips," 2 Apr. 2018 Layers of cool hues and ribboned marble give the interior a quiet and calming vibe. — Neal J. Leitereg, latimes.com, "Contemporary three-story displays a fresh face in Playa Vista," 2 May 2018 For instance, the exterior of the 33-story glassy tower is punctuated with full-height bay windows, and each floor is ribboned with a horizontal green band. — Pamela Dittmer Mckuen, chicagotribune.com, "New angular Loop apartment wants you to fall in love with its lines," 21 Dec. 2017 The croissants are Philly’s best, their whorling layers tanged with cultured butter and honey — even better ribboned with intense chocolate. — Craig Laban, Philly.com, "Hungry Pigeon serves comfort plates with a cheffy twist," 9 Dec. 2017 In the chef’s kitchen, ribboned calacatta marble countertops pair with custom white cabinetry. — Neal J. Leitereg, latimes.com, "Former Angel Gary Matthews Jr. parts with a home base in Corona del Mar," 19 Oct. 2017 Perhaps the best example of this is Lasa’s lumpia sariwa, a menu staple that takes a traditional Filipino rice flour crepe and the cuisine’s signature bright, vinegary sauces and pairs them with a bed of ribboned kale. — Zan Romanoff, Bon Appetit, "We Want Everything on the Menu at This New Cali-Filipino Restaurant," 12 Sep. 2017 For me, all the blue and gold ribboned boxes in the world can’t hold a candle to Passover. — Orange County Register, "Cooking with Judy: Can’t beat the cuisine at the community Seder," 6 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ribbon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.