ribbing

¹ American  

[rib-ing] / ˈrɪb ɪŋ /

noun

1. ribs collectively.

2. an assemblage or arrangement of ribs, as in cloth or a ship.

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ribbing ² American  

[rib-ing] / ˈrɪb ɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or instance of teasing.

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ribbing British  

/ ˈrɪbɪŋ /

noun

1. a framework or structure of ribs

2. ribs collectively

3. a raised pattern in woven or knitted material, made in knitting by doing purl and plain stitches alternately

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Etymology

Origin of ribbing¹

First recorded in 1555–65; rib ¹ + -ing ¹

Origin of ribbing²

First recorded in 1930–35; rib ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

“In the Bozeman area, are you going to get ribbed and teased for being from L.A.? Yes. But do I think people really care after you get that ribbing? No,” he says.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

When Paul pressed him again about his lack of apology, lack of contrition, and inability to even say he “misspoke,” while ribbing him about his “low impulse control” and presentation of “machismo,” Mullin didn’t waver.

From Slate • Mar. 18, 2026

“We wanted the ribbing to be perfect. We did so many different variations of it with the text and the size and getting it perfect.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2025

There will doubtless be some gentle ribbing to come for Southee from England's limited-overs captain.

From BBC • Aug. 15, 2025

But unluckiest of all was the shooter who completely missed a walker: he faced both a one-point deduction and a lifetime of ribbing.

From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

• banter
• taunt
• taunting