ripen

[rahy-puhn]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become ripe.

2. to bring or come to maturity, the proper condition, etc.; mature.

ripen

/ ˈraɪpən /

verb

1. to make or become ripe

Other Word Forms

• ripener noun
• half-ripened adjective
• overripen verb
• underripened adjective
• unripened adjective
• unripening adjective
• well-ripened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ripen¹

First recorded in 1555–65; ripe + -en ¹

Example Sentences

The sale and purchase of calcium carbide is regulated in India, but farmers and shopkeepers often use it to artificially ripen fruit.

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And like every such show, it can be expected to ripen with age, if age comes.

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“Unlike during childhood, Act III is a quiet ripening. It takes time and experience, and yes, perhaps the inevitable slowing down,” she wrote.

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Wild chimpanzees have been found to consume the equivalent of a bottle of lager's alcohol a day from eating ripened fruit, scientists say.

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She shows me ripening limes and lemons inside her allotment greenhouse.

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Related Words

• cultivate