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

Some tricks to slow down ripening and prevent bruising include separating bananas from the bunch, hanging them from a hook, and wrapping their stems in plastic wrap to prevent the release of ethylene gas. —Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2026

To divorce symbols from the context of their unique history is like asking a grape to ripen without a vine. —Travis Whitlock, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026

Tiny fruit flies come in from outside, attracted to ripening produce on your kitchen counter, or they may be brought in on infested fruit. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2026

Without sun, the fruits will not ripen, and the plants will be stressed. —Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 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