ripen
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become ripe.
had been ripening
-
past perfect progressiveof ripen.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One night I ignored the butcher’s feast path and went off-road so I could try some sirloin that had been ripening downstairs for 138 days.
From New York Times ● Nov. 14, 2017
Once in office, he swiftly began executing a broad diplomatic design that had been ripening in his mind for years.
From Time Magazine Archive
He knew that Carrington's scheme had been ripening day by day; and he knew also that within a few hours the final blow was to be struck.
From Run to Earth A Novel by Braddon, M. E. (Mary Elizabeth)
That convention had been ripening for a stampede.
From The Ramrodders A Novel by Day, Holman
That decision of hers had been ripening for a long time.
From The Argonauts by Curtin, Jeremiah
