ripen

[ rahy-puhn ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become ripe.
2. to bring or come to maturity, the proper condition, etc.; mature.

ripen

/ ˈraɪpən /

verb

1. to make or become ripe

Derived Forms

• ˈripener, noun

Other Words From

• ripen·er noun
• half-ripened adjective
• over·ripen verb
• under·ripened adjective
• un·ripened adjective
• un·ripen·ing adjective
• well-ripened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ripen¹

First recorded in 1555–65; ripe + -en ¹

Example Sentences

“The circumstances are ripening in a way they never have before.”

From Los Angeles Times

Thanks to a sprawling global supply chain, refrigerated cargo ships, controlled-environment greenhouses and the introduction of artificial ripening techniques, American shoppers have gradually become untethered from the natural cycles of the earth.

From Salon

Extreme heat was causing bananas to ripen too quickly, resulting in heavy losses for Ms Nkhana and many other farmers who live in Karonga district.

From BBC

Because Philip issued the ordinance at the end of July, vignerons would have to cut down their own harvest just as the grapes were beginning to ripen.

From Salon

Ideally, he'd plant a variety that could resist the coffee berry borer, a beetle that feasts on coffee cherries, and that would ripen with greater uniformity.

From Salon

Related Words

• cultivate