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
Due to increasing climatic unpredictability, the plot changes every year and is selected during the ripening season based on the year’s conditions and their influence on the vines.
—
Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Keep Roses Away from Apples and Bananas Both apples and bananas produce a lot of ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening in fruits and flowers.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025
With over 300 sunny days yearly, this complex climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, creating balanced wines with intense flavors.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Premature ripening: Exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can cause squash to ripen too quickly, shortening its shelf life.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
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Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Keep Roses Away from Apples and Bananas Both apples and bananas produce a lot of ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening in fruits and flowers.
—Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2025
With over 300 sunny days yearly, this complex climate allows the grapes to ripen fully, creating balanced wines with intense flavors.
—Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Premature ripening: Exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can cause squash to ripen too quickly, shortening its shelf life.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 5 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ripen
Articles Related to ripen
Cite this Entry
“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripen. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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