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

Unlike cantaloupes, muskmelons such as honeydew melons and watermelons do not ripen off the vine. —Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2025

In fact, anything connected with your job, your health or your pet will plant positive seeds that will ripen in the future. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025

The bag-ripening process works like a charm. —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 20 Oct. 2025

Berries are ripening, seeds are bursting, and insect populations are at their peak. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 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