verb
ripen
REYE-puhn
Ripen (verb) means to become, or make, ripe. Example: “The tomatoes will ripen on the windowsill.”
verb
1
To become, or make, ripe.
"The tomatoes will ripen on the windowsill."
"Sunlight helps ripen the fruit faster."
"The warm sun ripened the corn."
How to use ripen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo reach or bring to full ripeness.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like ripen.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Third person singular
- ripens
- Past tense
- ripened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The tomatoes will _____ on the windowsill.
Etymology
Formed from "ripe" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “ripen” mean?
The word “ripen” means to become, or make, ripe. In plain terms, to reach or bring to full ripeness.
How do you pronounce “ripen”?
“Ripen” is pronounced REYE-puhn (/ˈɹaɪpən/ in IPA).
How do you use “ripen” in a sentence?
Here is “ripen” used in a sentence: “The tomatoes will ripen on the windowsill.”
What part of speech is “ripen”?
“Ripen” is a verb.
