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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Berries are ripening, seeds are bursting, and insect populations are at their peak. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025 Big producers use storage rooms that control temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide so consumers can have an apple any time of the year, but Angle Orchard’s apples are picked weeks or even months before Thanksgiving and ripen fast (unless they are made into cider, applesauce or a frozen pie). Shaun McKinnon, AZCentral.com, 14 Oct. 2025 Refrigerating bananas slows ripening and reduces sugar spikes. Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2025 However, the capsaicin content of peppers doesn’t increase at a steady rate during the pepper-ripening process. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ripen

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

Cite this Entry

“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripen. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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