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.
However, after the banana ripens, those resistant starches are transformed into sugars through a process that breaks them down. Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024 Light green tomatoes will usually ripen off the plant, but small tomatoes with dark green skins should be discarded. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2024 Also, different apple varieties will ripen at different times of the year, explains Kay, pointing out the three seasons for apples: early, mid, and late season. Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 5 Oct. 2024 Similarly, Bosc Pear ripens up a dusty tone with something a bit yellowish-golden. Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near ripen

Cite this Entry

“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripen. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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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