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

• 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

Leafy cherry trees, the fruit all gone, gobbled up by us and by the birds, and trees with ripening white and flat peaches. —Literary Hub, 15 Aug. 2025

Wild blueberries are a cherished crop in Maine, ripening at the height of summer. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2025

Even conventional sunflower varieties that may take up to four months to ripen their seeds may be planted now or, for that matter, at any time of the year. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 2 Aug. 2025

The cradles also increase air circulation on all sides, which ultimately leads to even, and therefore quicker, ripening. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 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