ribbing

¹

[rib-ing]

noun

1. ribs rib collectively.

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

ribbing

²

[rib-ing]

noun

1. an act or instance of teasing.

ribbing

/ 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

Word History and Origins

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

As a series living in “the kind lane,” the characters are accepted for who they are — even if there’s gentle ribbing at times.

From Los Angeles Times

Kirk took the ribbing in stride, calling it a “badge of honor” to be lampooned by the long-running cartoon.

From Salon

Political cartooning is a dying art, usurped by illustrations that trade intelligent ribbing for low-brow button pushing — or, equally as startling, memes that require minimal effort to make.

From Salon

“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

There’s plenty of good-natured ribbing as they talk about the early interviews they’ve completed at the event.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• banter 
• taunt 
• taunting