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

Fruits are ripening and the birds are overhead migrating day and night, guided by the sun and stars on their mind-boggling journeys. —Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026

Determinate tomatoes grow only to a certain height, then flower, set fruit, and ripen within a short timeframe. —Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 23 Apr. 2026

Small, white flowers bloom from late winter to early spring, with fruit ripening in the fall on mature trees. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 22 Apr. 2026

Vines have traditionally been planted on the steep slopes of the riverbanks because of excellent drainage, and grapes are exposed to the maximum amount of sun for ripening in this cooler climate region. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 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