ripen

verb

rip·​en ˈrī-pən How to pronounce ripen (audio)
ˈrī-pᵊm
ripened; ripening ˈrī-pə-niŋ How to pronounce ripen (audio)
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 How to pronounce ripen (audio)
ˈrīp-nər
noun

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 Similarly, Bosc Pear ripens up a dusty tone with something a bit yellowish-golden. Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024 While most Iowans look forward to sweet corn at the peak of summer, another cuisine is ripening at the same time: huitlacoche — a misunderstood corn fungus that's overlooked in the U.S., but considered a delicacy in parts of Mexico. Linh Ta, Axios, 15 Oct. 2024 Even melons that won't ripen or grow sweeter at room temperature, like honeydew, do become softer and juicier. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2024 Unlike pineapples, which don’t ripen any further after being picked, bananas do ripen; shifting from green to yellow to brown-speckled to brown. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ripen 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ripen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of ripen was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near ripen

Cite this Entry

“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripen. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

ripen

verb
rip·​en ˈrī-pən How to pronounce ripen (audio)
ripened; ripening ˈrīp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce ripen (audio)
: to make or become ripe

More from Merriam-Webster on ripen

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