ripen

verb

rip·​en ˈrī-pən 

ˈrī-pᵊm

ripened; ripening ˈrī-pə-niŋ 

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 

ˈrīp-nər

noun

Synonyms

• age
• develop
• grow
• grow up
• mature
• 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

For the filling, Flavor King pluots, which ripen in late summer, are one of our favorites, rich, floral, and musky. —Kara Peeler, Sunset Magazine, 5 June 2024

Full Strawberry Moon This month’s full moon, which earned its name from Native American communities, marks the proliferation of strawberries that ripen around this time each year. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 3 June 2024

In its cold West Marin environs, the syrah grape struggles to ripen, and as such, yields a leathery austerity to this expression. —Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 20 May 2024

Friendships ripen quickly so far North, and the six of us pitched in and helped the three Canadians dig garbage pits and prepare the camp. —Tom Hinman, Outdoor Life, 8 May 2024

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