ribbing

¹ American  

[rib-ing] / ˈrɪb ɪŋ /

noun

1. ribs rib collectively.

2. an assemblage or arrangement of ribs, rib, 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

When the two heads of government met at a summit in Egypt last October, Trump was chummy, playfully ribbing the tall Spanish leader about which of them would prevail on defense spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

“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

Nelson, who said he takes a ribbing from his young teammates for his graying hair, has a rich family history when it comes to Olympic hockey.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 12, 2026

Back then, debate over Geriatric Millennials sparked self-deprecating jokes, think pieces and quizzes dictating if you're meant to pile on the ribbing or be subjected to it.

From BBC • Jan. 17, 2026

They instinctively sensed when to give me some space or when I could stand some gentle ribbing.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Related Words

• banter
• taunt
• taunting