rib
rihb
Rib (noun) means one of the curved bones that run from the spine around toward the breastbone, forming the cage that protects the chest. Example: “The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in one of his ribs.”
noun
1
One of the curved bones that run from the spine around toward the breastbone, forming the cage that protects the chest.
"The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in one of his ribs."
"She could feel her ribs after months of illness."
2
A cut of meat that still has one or more rib bones in it.
"We ordered a rack of ribs at the barbecue place."
"The prime rib was the highlight of the Christmas dinner."
3
A supporting structural piece shaped like a rib, such as in a ship's hull, an aircraft wing, or an umbrella.
"Shipwrights bent the wooden ribs before attaching the planking."
"One of the umbrella's ribs had snapped in the wind."
verb
1
To tease someone in a friendly, good-natured way.
"His friends ribbed him mercilessly about the missed penalty."
"Don't take it personally, we're just ribbing you."
How to use rib
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA curved bone in the chest, a rib-shaped cut of meat, a supporting structural piece, or (as a verb) to gently tease someone.
Common pairings
broken rib
rack of ribs
rib someone about
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Word forms
- Plural
- ribs
- Third person singular
- ribs
- Past tense
- ribbed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The X-ray showed a hairline fracture in one of his _____.
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.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for rib
See all rhymes for 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.
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