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

• age
• develop
• grow
• grow up
• mature
• 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 fungal pathogen can quickly turn ripening grapes into cindery waste on the vine. —Saveur Editors, Saveur, 16 Apr. 2025

With warming temperatures affecting ripening patterns and harvest schedules, chenin blanc offers adaptability. —Rachel King, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025

How to Add Avocados to Your Diet Avocados will ripen after being picked. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2025

In years of extreme weather, early pruning practices are key to achieving the balanced ripening Herrero prefers. —Jill Barth, Forbes, 12 Mar. 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