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.
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

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

Cite this Entry

“Ripen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ripen. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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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