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overripe

[oh-ver-rahyp]
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adjective
  1. too ripe; more than ripe: overripe tomatoes.
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Origin of overripe

First recorded in 1665–75; over- + ripe
Related formso·ver·ripe·ly, adverbo·ver·ripe·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words

putridrottingdisgustingrancidnoxioussourspoiledcorruptmoldystaleoverripedepravedimmoraladdledruinedevilwantonlostdegeneraterank

Examples from the Web for over-ripe

Historical Examples

  • The richer the pears the better; but they must not be over-ripe.

    The Lady's Own Cookery Book, and New Dinner-Table Directory;

    Charlotte Campbell Bury

  • Probably it is over-ripe when it falls; the hold is loosened; its time is up.

    The Apple-Tree

    L. H. Bailey

  • The grasshoppers were partial to celery, over-ripe bananas, and moisture.

  • Grape juice is made from clean, sound but not over-ripe grapes.

  • Into this hive the cluster will fall as heavily as an over-ripe fruit.

    The Life of the Bee

    Maurice Maeterlinck

British Dictionary definitions for over-ripe

overripe

adjective
  1. (of food, cheese, etc) past the usual stage of being ready to eat or use
  2. overused or overly sentimental and emotionalhis love songs are overripe ballads
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for over-ripe

adj.

1670s, from over- + ripe (adj.).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper