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

Certain Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Enzymes in fruits and vegetables promote chemical reactions, such as ripening. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Dec. 2024

Many vendors proffer samples of nuts and salty regional cheeses ripened in sacks of inside-out shearling. —Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Nov. 2024

Apples, pears, and many other types of fruit release ethylene gas, which causes vegetables to ripen and decay faster. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2024

Dig in: This Japanese berry varietal, which ripens fully on the vine before being picked and packaged, blew me away with its intense berry flavor and a fruity fragrance that filled the room. —Monica Eng, Axios, 1 Oct. 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