Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Gentle rains had come and crops were ripening well for the first time in years.

From Reuters • Dec. 2, 2020

“We’re a close-knit community,” the father of two said as he stood in front of greenhouses where beans, lettuce and tomatoes were ripening.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 18, 2020

Melon season was ending and the pomegranates were ripening; women sold the dark juice in plastic bottles on the side of the highway.

From New York Times • May 11, 2020

If they’ve been canned, he says, that means they were ripening in the sun until the very last minute and have more flavor because of it.

From The Verge • Dec. 9, 2017

Apples were ripening still, but the early ones were picked and pressed into cider.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry