rib
3 synonyms and 0 antonyms for rib, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — One of the curved bones that run from the spine around toward the breastbone, forming the cage that protects the chest.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use rib
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English ribb, going back to a very old Germanic word for "rib." The slang sense meaning "a wife" comes from the Bible story of Eve being formed from Adam's rib.
Full origin of rib →Frequently asked questions
What does “rib” mean?
The word “rib” means one of the curved bones that run from the spine around toward the breastbone, forming the cage that protects the chest. In plain terms, a curved bone in the chest, a rib-shaped cut of meat, a supporting structural piece, or (as a verb) to gently tease someone.
How do you pronounce “rib”?
“Rib” is pronounced rihb (/ɹɪb/ in IPA).
How do you use “rib” in a sentence?
Here is “rib” used in a sentence: “The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in one of his ribs.”
What part of speech is “rib”?
Depending on how it is used, “rib” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rib” come from?
The word “rib” comes from Old English. From Old English ribb, going back to a very old Germanic word for "rib." The slang sense meaning "a wife" comes from the Bible story of Eve being formed from Adam's rib.
Is “rib” a common word?
“Rib” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “rib” have?
“Rib” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: one of the curved bones that run from the spine around toward the breastbone, forming the cage that protects the chest.
What is the difference between a rib and a bone in general?
A rib is a specific type of curved bone that runs from the spine around toward the breastbone, forming the cage that protects the chest, whereas "bone" is the general term for any part of the skeleton. Ribs are distinguished by their curved shape and specific protective function around the chest cavity.
What does it mean to rib someone?
To rib someone means to tease them in a friendly, good-natured way, without any intention of causing real hurt or offense. This informal verb use is unrelated to the anatomical sense of rib as a bone, though it likely comes from the playful action of poking someone in the ribs.
What is a rib in cooking?
In cooking, a rib refers to a cut of meat that still has one or more rib bones in it, such as pork ribs or beef ribs, often prepared by grilling, roasting, or smoking. This culinary use draws directly on the anatomical meaning of rib as a bone from the chest area.