ripened; ripening
ˈrī-pə-niŋ 
ˈrīp-niŋ
: to grow or become ripe
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
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
See All Example Sentences for ripen
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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
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripen. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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