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

Volcanic soil and cooling winds allow the grape to ripen gradually, developing a flavor profile unique to this dramatic landscape. —Rachel King, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Fruit ripens at the end of May or early June, depending on the Hardiness Zone. —Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025

Moritas are smoked while jalapeños are fully ripened and develop more heat. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2025

Figs do not ripen off the tree, so don’t pick too early. —The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025

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